Clown Loach losing colour

[js]

Hi there

I have two clown loaches in my 200ltr tank and one of them keeps losing his black stripes, almost on a daily basis. They fade right out to a silvery grey, and almost disappear completely, then they come back and he looks normal again. It happens quite often when I go near the tank to look at them. Do you think he is getting a fright, losing his colour and then when he recovers, his colour comes back? Each episode only lasts about a minute or less. Other than this he looks perfectly happy and is eating well.

[smidey]

it's fine, they do that.

[N1CK]

it's called greying out , they do it when they're unhappy and my zebra loaches seem to do it every now and then

[henward]

this is normal. they communicate that way, like most fish, colour is key to communication.

maybe its a sign of submission.

my two largest ones, when together, one is always almost faded ... the smaller one.

[David R]

They're trying to sort out a heirachy, get a few more of them so you can see some proper group dynamics...

[js]

Thanks for your answers, I feel better now that at least he/she isn't unwell. Yes this is the smaller of the two, so perhaps that could have something to do with it. Would like to get some more, but none in our shops at the moment, so will have to grab another couple when they're next in store.