Sailfin Pleco Patches of Fading colour

Hi there,

I recently added a beautiful Sailfin Pleco to my tank and after about 4 days I started noticing that the Cheetah-type pattern is faded out on a few patches of its skin... I'm slightly worried that it might be something bad? All-in-all he seems really happy - Resting at daytime, very active at night, eating well... Or could it maybe just be a normal colour change or stress from adapting to the new tank? (I read that they sometimes change their colour according to their environment)

Thanks

 

Mine does the exact same sometimes and iv had him for 2 years

 

That is correct, if the fish stresses they get faded patches, maybe provide some hiding places. Like split coconut shells or a nice peace of drift wood.

 

Mine do the same too. An I've had pleco's ever since I started keeping fish and I've never lost one either. They always outgrew my tanks, lol before having to sell them back to the petshop. Their colours always come back so don't panic. They r really beautiful looking fish! *the only thing u have to worry about with those guys is their 'poos' lol, nothing else. They so hardy, I'm yet to meet one person who's killed a plec!
Enjoy him Stevie! They're beautiful! :top:

 

Fantastic! YAY

I suspect it's because he's slightly stressed out, because the tank is slightly crowded - too many baby guppies everywhere! I'm in the process of cycling a new tank for the fry I'm very exited! :nuts:

 

dont worry about it stevie i have a 15cm and 24cm one and mine does it aswell even when there not stressed.
mine is also very active day and night great 2 clean algae!