Black Moor changing colors

Question
I have a Black Moor, which I have had for around 6 months now. I haven't made any changes to his environment recently. His tankmates are a fantail calico and a mixed oranda. In the last week I have noticed his black seems to be fading, and he is turning a silvery orange color. What could this be, or is that normal? I appreciate any help you can offer, I have searched and found a couple of sites with contradicting information, one saying they need lettuce and peas, the other saying this is normal. Please Help!! Thanks  

Answer
Dear Misty,
Hmm... Well I would say it's not impossible for a Black Moore to eventually develop some colors other than black on his body but it is rare.

I have a hunch what if your Black moore is actually a telescope eye goldfish which typically aren't usually the velvety black like true moores are. It could have been a mistake at the place you got him from if he was incorrectly labled or mixed in with a group of true Black moores. Telescope eyes greatly resemble the black moores but they tend to have variable colors which distinquishes them from the Velvety black variety.

It's true that goldfish love Romain lettuce and green peas and they do best if they have as much variety as you can give them. Paying special attention to their tendancy to be largely vegetarians they also appreciate nearly all manner of frozen foods as well.

There is likely nothing wrong at all. Goldfish of any variety are well known for changing colors as they get older. And it's very common for a dark goldfish to turn silver or orange as he gets older. You may actually have a telescope eye goldfish instead!

But then again sometimes Black moores can lose their velvet black coloration if they don't get a well balanced diet or the water quality is poor. The loveliest colored black moores are the ones who get plenty of sunlight as well!

I really hope this helps and feel free to write if you have anymore concerns!
Best wishes,
Karen~