cichlids royal ram

Question
my male royal ram will be a pale colour wich is supposed to be its ture colour but as the day goes on it turns a blackish colour why is this?
regards stuart

Answer
Hi Stuart,
Rams are very shy and sensitive fish.  Check your water parameters for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates.  Make sure that you have enough plants and hiding places to make him feel secure.  I don't know when you turn on your light but it could be that the light makes him feel insecure if you don't have enough plants or places for him to go to feel less threatened by bright lights.   I have had fish that have changed to almost black just because I had rearranged the tank or if they were stressed by other fish.  Some will change colors with whatever mood they are in and then later change back to normal colors.  Just observe to see if any of the things I have mentioned could be causing the problem.
Hope this helps,
Karen