EXPLANATION OF COLORATION

The coloration exhibited in these fish is a  result of pigments. There are four main types of pigments. The melanins, these provide the dark colorations. The pteridines, a water soluble pigment, that is not usually found in Angels, produces bright colorations. Guanines are the largest part of the purines and are not true pigments. They produce the iridescent, silvery coloration and are a result of waste products stored in the fish’s skin cells. The last pigment is cartoenoids. This material is lipid (fat) soluble creating the yellow and orange coloration. Cartoenoids  are not produced by the fish and must be introduced in their food. The fish use these cartoenoids to fight off stress, parasites and other diseases. Fish bred to have a high potential for storing the cartoenoids exhibit differing degrees of brilliance, depending on environmental stress levels and diet.