Red Devil Color

Question
QUESTION: Rob---My red devil is about 5" long.  Lately it's been pale and lost a lot of red color, but still seems very active.  Is that natural?  Does discoloring have to do with sickness or just aging?  (Thanks.)

ANSWER: Hi Larry,
  Red devils change color all the time.  It can often have to do with mood as much as anything but it could be due to sickness or aging as well.  Is he eating?

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


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

QUESTION: Rob--Yes, it's eating normal.  Always a good appetite. So I guess it's ok, right?
Also, I heard that it's not safe to feed cichlids with the 12-cent minnows from pet stores.  What's your opinion on that?

Answer
Hi Larry,
  Feeder fish very often carry parasites, ick in particular.  Sadly this ick easily transmits to cichlids like oscars and red devils.  Every week I answer questions from people who are dealing with a dying fish as a result of feeders. So, I highly recommend that you never feed your cichlids with feeder fish.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>