Fish vision and color perception

[fennec]

How do fish perceive color in the aquarium? I've heard some species see more colors than humans, but I'm not sure how that affects their behavior or tank setup.

[rixon]

Fish vision varies a lot by species. For example, Bettas can see UV light, which humans can't. That's why some breeders use UV-reactive decor. It's wild how their world looks totally different from ours.

[jolyno]

I've noticed my Guppies react differently to red vs blue gravel. Maybe they're vibing with the colors? Or just weird fish behavior. Anyone else see this?

[aywireH]

Fish vision varies a lot by species. For example, Bettas can see UV light, which humans can't. That's why some breeders use UV-reactive decor. It's wild how their world looks totally different from ours.

Yeah, that's legit. I switched to UV decor and my Bettas got way more active. It's like they're finally seeing the full picture.

[Lilacora]

Color perception also ties to mating displays. Male Cichlids, for instance, use bright colors to attract females. If your lighting's off, it might dull their colors and affect breeding behavior. I use full-spectrum LEDs to keep things popping.

[turboix]

My Goldfish don't seem to care about color at all. They just swim around like it's all the same to them. Maybe they're just chill like that.

[Khazer]

It's fascinating how fish adapt to their environments. Even in low-light tanks, species like Tetras develop enhanced sensitivity to available light. Their vision is a testament to nature's ingenuity.

[angler40]

For reef tanks, coral colors matter too. Some fish prefer certain corals based on color, which can influence their territory choices. It's not just about aesthetics, it's about creating a natural habitat.

[Lish]

I read somewhere that fish can't see red as well as other colors. Is that true? My Neon Tetras seem to ignore red food pellets sometimes.

[Sakurao]

Research suggests fish like Zebrafish have superior color discrimination compared to humans. Their ability to distinguish subtle shades is critical for survival in the wild. Tank lighting should mimic their natural spectrum for optimal health.