fish discoloring

Question
QUESTION: why is my placostamos discoloring she about 7in long

ANSWER: Hi Paul;

It could be one of many things so I need more information from you;

What color was she before and what color is she now?
Has this been a slow change or something sudden?
Has her environment changed in any way recently?
What size tank is she in?
what kind of filter?
How long has the tank been set up?
Do you know the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH levels? What are they?
How long have you had her?
Do you have other fish? If so, what are they?
What is the water temperature?
What do you feed her?
Is she eating?
Does her belly look "sunken in"?
How often do you change water in her tank?
How much water is replaced at once?
When was the last time a water change was made?

Let me know as soon as you can...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: to anser some of ur questions she was put in new tank 2weeks ago her color went from dark brown to light brown just her face and neck but she looks normal 2day she eats algae waffles she has good eating habits she is 7 in and about 5 years old but like i said she looks like she is getting her dark color back must have been the new tank 20 gallon in about 2 months ill move her to 50 gallon tank so do u think when ichanged water in tank that was reason for fadding alittle

Answer
Hi Paul;

You're right, it probably was from stress and/or shock. As long as she is looking better now I wouldn't worry. Be sure to acclimate her properly by floating her in a bag of tank water for 10 minutes before releasing when she is moved again. If a water change bothered her there may have been too much changed at one time. It's easier on them to change no more than 25% in one day.  

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins