I had my arse plonked on the back steps the other day, while the kids were moving a Praying Mantis from one spot to another, and watching the thing change color. It's pretty amazing stuff.

Of course, one of them then noticed the Keyhole Cichlids on a more recent morning, and how different they looked. I'd seen this before, but watching insects change color on demand sort of brought it to the fore.

These first shots are our breeding pair. You can see the 'keyhole' shape on the side of the body. I don't remember which is male and female. I think the males fins may be longer.



Now, take a gander at the one below. I think it's the one on the left. What they do, is snuggle in next to one of my stumps, which is practically black, under the umbrella of Echinodorus leaves. They also bury themselves in the detritus of dead leaves and Algae, that drifts to that location. I have often missed seeing them, because of this unexpected pigmentation.

I don't know how long it takes, certainly under a couple of hours. Anyone with other Aquarium examples?...



And for a really quick and nasty Biology lesson: Chromotophores are the cells under the scales, that contain Biochromes, the pigment that changes color.

My kribs can change color instantly. Light almost colorless, to full bright color in a blink.

I haven't sat and watched the Keyholes, so I've only estimated a time frame, based on when I happen to pass the Tank. I certainly don't think it'd be instant, like the Kribs.

Do you know what triggers it, Funky? I expect they wouldn't give you the chance for comparison photos?

I have noted the black stripes on the Angelfish can fade dramatically at times. But I've never linked it to any particular cause, or circumstance.

my rams change colouratin a lot and seem to be able to do it almost instantly. the main trigger seems to be aggression or submission towards other rams, altho it does happen at mating time as it can with other fish.

i have also noticed that my bristle noses altho normaly quite light in colour can change to the enviroment, going darker when in the darker parts of the tank.

i have also seen octopus and cuttle fish do it in the wild. both have an amazing ability to instantly change to their enviroment and also use it for comminication too.

Usually aggression they get brighter colored and submission or scared they get very draub/colorless. I was watching my female krib get mad at her reflection. I have never seen her so colorful. She was almost black.