stres color change in gouramis?

[artemisblossom]

I bought 3 gouramis today they are the 3 spot variety. I got 2 females and a male. The guy i got them from said they were the natural colored gouramis. When I looked at them in his tank they seemed kind of silvery blue but he had very poor lighting I could hardly see them (all his tanks are very poorly lit) Anyway when I got them home and put them in the tank they seem to be a muddy grey brown color, I can see darker stripes but I am wondering if this is just stress or if this is their natural color. I would be too embarrased to try and take them back but they are very ugly colored, I wanted the blue colored ones.

[GouramiGal]

Well, they can definitely change color when they are stressed, but they stay in the same range. Meaning, a gold gourami would still be gold, but less so, of the stripes/spots may fade or become more noticable. I don't think a blue gourami would turn brown. If anything, they would turn silvery or wahed-out looking.

Is it possible to take a picture? I'm sure lots of people could give advice...

[artemisblossom]

I will try getting a picture of one of them and then try to figure out how to post it lol

[Kaga's Kritters]

I have opaline gouramis and they turn really dark blue/grey when excited (such as during feeding time)....I know they would turn light if stressed.....but i too don't see how a gourami would turn brown. pics would definitely help.

[artemisblossom]

ok I took some pics actually they are much more brightly colored in the pics than they were when i look at them . I tried to just add the pics here but it says the files are too big I will try and figure out ho to post them

[artemisblossom]

ok trying the pics again

[10353

[Marina]

hiii.....i m marina and even my golden 3-spot gourami is facing the same problem of changing color......have u figured out the reason of them changing color suddenly or have u asked the shopkeeper the reason of them being so??

[artemisblossom]

No I am not sure why they are loking like this, the shopkeeper says this is he natural color and the light blue and gold are other variations of the blue 3 spot . I am disappointed in the coloring of mine.

[nwnittany]

Ime, stress will cause a gourami to get darker shade, but I've never seen it change the fundamental color.

My three-spot will get so dark that you can barely see the spots.

I'd give it a few weeks until they get used to the tank and see if things get better for you....

[AquaQueen]

I think this could be a long shot but the only thing I could think of is maybe your gouramis are the result of a blue and gold gourami breeding??? It is possible you know. I LOVE Gourami's I have had all kinds of them at some point, but the blue is my favorite and the ones you have are kind of almost dingey looking from the ones I have seen. Look at it this way they are unique dont be upset because they are not as "normal" as the rest they will probably be the best lil fishies you had just give them a chance...lol Also like mentioned give them a few weeks to adjust to the tank and see if anything changes. Best of Luck to you and your lil buddies. Lata ~AQ~

[GouramiGal]

That's a good idea AquaQueen.

The thought occurred to me that maybe they are juveniles?

And I think they are neat looking, btw! :19:

[Marina]

I guess the reason for them changing color must be related to stress......my blue 3-spot gourami is harassing the small golden gourami......that must be the reason for her to change the color. And i guess ur gourami's changes their color cause they are still tryin to adjust wid the tank.Wat do u think??:11: :11:

[Gayle]

I have only had my Lavender Gouramis for 3 1/2 weeks, but mine are doing the same almost as your pics. They have only done it for 3 or 4 days. The male is much brighter, and his dorsal fin turns bright redish orange, and his tummy gets so dark that his spots blend in, only when he is working on the bubblenest, when he chases the other fish he gets brighter. The female changes color to,when the male gets too close to her, the stripes become so dark they look black almost. I assumed it was all because they are mating. This is my first fish tank, so I do not know much, but maybe that is what is happening to yours too? I hope you figure it out. I will try to post pics to show what mine do.