Why is my black goldfish turning orange?

Question

I have a black goldfish that is now almost all orange in color. Why is this?

Answer 1

Although it is not very common, goldfish can and do change colors. I have two goldfish, one is orange, and has stayed orange I got one with it at the same time and it was a greyish silver color, it has now changed colors many times! First it started losing pretty much all of it's grey and got black by it's mouth and all along the top of it's back, then that went away, now it is this beutiful shiny white/silver color! Another person said that it may have gotten ammonia burns, that is incorrect information. Some golfish just change colors naturally, and I seriously doubt they would be doing it at all if they were not happy/healthy! Your goldfish may change again-and good for you for maintaining a healthy tank! :)

Answer 2

beacuz its a gold fish baby so it is turning its natral color like a damation puppie getting its spots.

Answer 3

Hi,

You're so lucky to have witnessed a color change on your goldie! None of mine have changed yet. I hope you've taken pictures of his color progression, they're very interesting to compile and compare after the change.

Black is a notoriously unstable color in goldfish so it's not unusual for moors or other black colored golds to change to orange.

If you want a detailed answer in response to the color change, here is an article on color change in goldies that should be of interest to you: a black moor turning orange with photo documentation of the change.

http://thegab.org/Articles/ColorChange.h...

It includes microscopic pictures of pigmentation in golds. Very interesting stuff.

This moor took 3 years to become completely orange. How long did yours take? You should post on the forum at thegab.org and tell people about it and post your pics if you have any. Or just post a pic period, new water babies are always welcome and we love squealing over them!

Answer 4

Either he had ammonia burns that healed. Or baby goldfish are born a dark color and overtime develop the orange color they are known for.