For many weeks, my black tiger oscars were kind of a dull black, with some patches of red. I called them "volcano fish" because they looked black with red lava striping. Now the redness is really coming out and they are much more colorful. The dullness that was there is now gone. Does this mean they are happier? They seem to be eating and pooping OK. The two don't cuddle like they used to though. They seem to swim their separate ways.

Is the color changes of the fish tied to their health? Is it seasonal? Could it be the water temperature? Just curious.

-Kevin

P.S. What is a good testing kit to buy in the U.S. to check water quality?

if all the colors are coming out in your fish, I would say they are quite healthy. It's when Fish loose color, that an alarm bell sometimes ring.

If you can get hold of a test kit from aquarium pharmaceuticals, you won't go wrong.

oscars changes their colors as they grow up.
as color becomes brighter, the better. it shows
the condition of their health. in some pet shops,
they sell foods that enhance color which in effect
also connotes health.