Wayfarin
Arachnoknight
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2022
- Messages
- 237
Hello folks! This may seem like a strange thread, but I thought it was worth posting and making mention of.
Amphipods (Hyalella azteca) are often bred as fish food. Sometimes they may infest a tank accidentally.
After looking at many pictures and videos of "scud" cultures, I noticed that many amphipods within the same species appear to be different colors. In particular, I noticed that some are more red/pink/orange than others, which may appear dull gray or whitish.
Why exactly is that? Is it related to diet? Beta carotene, for example? Do shrimp that appear dull gray not have enough beta carotene in their diets?
And it's not just in pictures. I've seen amphipods in person that appeared to be different colors. Is it a species thing?
The reason I'm so curious may come as a surprise to some.
I was wondering if amphipods could be selectively bred to have different colors, much the way cherry shrimp have been.
It would certainly be interesting to see "red cherry amphipods" on the market in maybe a decade or so.
And if it is just a diet thing, are there any other invertebrates with natural color variations?
I know that there are natural color variations among red foxes, raccoons, wolves, black bears, and watchman gobies.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! God bless!
Amphipods (Hyalella azteca) are often bred as fish food. Sometimes they may infest a tank accidentally.
After looking at many pictures and videos of "scud" cultures, I noticed that many amphipods within the same species appear to be different colors. In particular, I noticed that some are more red/pink/orange than others, which may appear dull gray or whitish.
Why exactly is that? Is it related to diet? Beta carotene, for example? Do shrimp that appear dull gray not have enough beta carotene in their diets?
And it's not just in pictures. I've seen amphipods in person that appeared to be different colors. Is it a species thing?
The reason I'm so curious may come as a surprise to some.
I was wondering if amphipods could be selectively bred to have different colors, much the way cherry shrimp have been.
It would certainly be interesting to see "red cherry amphipods" on the market in maybe a decade or so.
And if it is just a diet thing, are there any other invertebrates with natural color variations?
I know that there are natural color variations among red foxes, raccoons, wolves, black bears, and watchman gobies.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! God bless!
