Raphael Catfish Color

[cptcaveman]

Is their color associated with anything other than genetics? I'm wondering because when I first got mine he/she was black and white, and know they are black and brown.

It's been feed a healthy diet of Jack Dempsey poop and omega one sinking cichlid pellets. My water quality has been decent to good the whole time I've had them. I really can't think of other reason they might have changed color. My first idea it's from the poop, but I could never find anything online to support it.

[Carl]

My description is that Raphael Catfish are a "liver" brown, which may appear almost black.

Genetics will play a role in color, as will environment.

Black coloration can come from iron in the substrate that the fish may be accidentally ingesting while feeding (some planted substrate add iron). As well excess iron can be from additives in the water, and possibly in the food (although I have not found this to be a problem, but it is certainly possible)

I would consider a better diet than the Omega line of fish foods, even if not the direct cause of this issue (although since this food has excess proteins that can cause renal failure, you never know how this may show as a symptom)

From our Fish Nutrition article:
"Omega Foods are considered excellent by many, myself at one time (I later I discontinued selling this food), but further testing shows a questionable protein source for the price point sold (as per Fish Food expert Clay Neighbors) and poor protein optimization. This can result in kidney damage over time which in turn can result in toxins in the fish/invertebrate body.
As well their Spirulina/Veggie Flake is very low in Spirulina and I would not recommend it against the much better Spirulina 20 or AAP Custom Fish Foods."

Reference:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Quality_Fish_Food.html#recommended_foods

I would suggest our AAP Custom Fish Food

www.americanaquariumproducts.com/ParadigmFoods.html

Carl

[cptcaveman]

I'll probably quit using it when I run out, and will probably rotate between the different types (Omega, Hikari, Elive, freeze dried krill/crickets/mealworms) I currently have.

I'll probably give the AAP food a try after I run out. Would it be possible/ok to just feed my JDs and catfish the AAP omnivore or carnivore? I have a feeling that the jacks will end up eating whatever I put in there for the catfish.

[Carl]

Jul 30, 2016 13:46:30 GMT -5 cptcaveman said:

I'll probably give the AAP food a try after I run out. Would it be possible/ok to just feed my JDs and catfish the AAP omnivore or carnivore? I have a feeling that the jacks will end up eating whatever I put in there for the catfish.

You're right, the Jack Dempseys will like eat whatever is offered.
I would lean toward offering the Omnivore, however I have noticed over the years that if two foods are offered at the same time, sometimes certain fish will pick and choose as well.

Also make sure to look into the other possibilities too besides fish food.
Although genetics is something you can do nothing about at this point.

Carl