Parrot Ciclid blotchy discoloration

Question
I have a 40 gallon tank with 2 parrot Cichlids and a Angel.  All are about 3 years old.  One of the Cichlids is not bright orange  all over, in fact it has faded to a blotchy almost pinkish color.  It is still orange but had the discoloration in areas over it's whole body.  It seems to be eating and behaving normally (both are somewhat skittish and like to hide out allot except during feeding and shortly thereafter)  I just want to make sure that this is normal (or not) and treat accordingly.  This is not really a new symptom, but I thought I should address it just in case.  Thank You Sandy

Answer
Good evening Sandy, thank you for your question.

I encourage you to redirect your question to Ron Coleman in this category, he is a cichlid expert who has authored a page on these relatively new, man-made cichlids:
http://cichlidresearch.com/parrot.html

On his page, the 6th entry down seems to suggest that this is normal. In my experience, fish who have been altered change their coloration as they mature, with uneven or blotchy coloration, less intense coloration, or in some cases darker (stress) coloration not unheard of.

One thing you can do is provide a varied diet. A diet high in carotenoids (red foods such as Cyclops) should bring out the orange in your fish. Make sure the two parrots are getting enough to eat at each mealtime, the shape of their mouths and slow swimming are two of their handicaps.

http://www.geocities.com/parrotcichlid/main.html
The site above is a fantastic reference resource, in spite of no new content. There's a section on feeding.

The community you describe is capable of living many cumulative years. If ever possible, an upgrade in tank size would probably make maintenance easier for you and also give them a better quality of life. Although I realize they are not overcrowded now, this sized tank would be the minimum acceptable size for keeping these fish healthy. Even a 55 gallon, with its additional surface area, would be a welcome improvement, and 75 gallons would be ideal. You could even add another angelfish, if you so desired.

In short, I don't believe the discoloration is a health problem. As always, a varied and nutritious diet, clean water via weekly water changes, regularly serviced filter units - and room to grow is key to keeping fish healthy, bright and beautiful. And of course, disease free!

Take care,
Nicole