My Discus are turning black!

[Kylie]

I have an adult turquoise and two juvenile pigeon discus. Recently the Turquoise and one of the pigeons have started to turn black. The pigeon is bright orange with red stripes and nor it has black speckles that seem to be progressing from the dorsal fin down its body. They are not 'fluffy' and the fish appears to be healthy and active. The other pigeon is much lighter in colouring and is now just beginning to get the spots. Does anyone know what is going on?

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

The black spots are normal on the Pigeon, that's just part of their coloration. Some have more than others. As for the Turq, it shouldn't be turning black. Generally if Discus turn very dark in color they are not happy with their environment. Strange as this may sound, what color is the background on your tank? I've heard of a lot of people who have a black background on their tank and the Discus get dark, as soon as they change it to something lighter or more natural, the Discus lighten up again.

[Kylie]

Well it does sound strange but I've just changed my dark background and I'll see how it goes!