| Since I'm still learning about this (and I'm old enough to be your father!) I'll just explain my thoughts.
It could be the fish is growing fast and has outgrown the color cells. I don't think this happens much these days; genetics these days lets the fish grow fast and still keep color. Look to the center of the scales to see if the core color is still stronger there. The fish certainly looks like one that has potential for growth.
Higher PH is supposed to be bad for hi and good for sumi. I think this also ties in with high hardness and high TDS. High PH with low TDS generally means support by baking soda or similar and that can mean varying PH and stress. I'm presuming that you've learned how to control that from Maurice and the issue is that you've got high KH/GH/TDS water instead.
I recall somebody saying you should learn what kinds of fish do well in your water. Assuming you don't change your water, of course. That may be the ultimate lesson here. |