Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

I've noticed different colorations of fish (bass and bluegill) caught from seperate ponds
for example, fish caught from a clear pond with
abundant plant and algae growth were much darker in coloration than fish caught from a muddy pond with little plant life. in fact the fish caught from the muddy pond were nearly white in coloration with very light green on the back, the bluegill showed almost pinkish coloration around the throat area but were generally whitish (big bull bluegill). My theory is the muddy pond's water clarity is enough to hide these fish from predators, and enough to still give the bass an edge when ambushing prey. There's noo need to adapt to the local surroundings or native plant life to "blend in",. the clear pond is just the opposite. but what would happen if fish from each pond were to be introduced in opposite bodies of water, would they adapt over time or is their coloration permanent?
if it is, would it take many generations of fish to eventually start to blend in and adapt?

The short answer is fish can and do change color, sometimes very quickly. If it is legal, put one fish in a black tub and one in a white tub and cover. Make sure it's in the shade!
After ten minutes take each fish and hold them side by side.

Another 'test' is to put one fish in each of two white lined coolers, put a hockey puck in one and nothing in the other. the fish should again, be of different colorations.

Nothing scientific here just observations.

Nice response Capn Jack... I think the key point you made is that bass can adapt their color to their surroundings. Both as predator and also prey, they are able to use this ability to their advantage.

Wow! I had no idea fish could change color so quickly. thx for the reply!

Fish are affected by the amount of sunshine they receive. Fish in muddy water don't recieve much sun so they are lighter colored, bass that have been deep for a long time are generally pale. Fish in sunny weedy vegetation will be very dark. Without light, there is no true color. Shallow fish are usually darker than deep fish unless the water is stained. Good question! Johnnie

All the post are right on. The fish do change colors depending on light conditions. Deeper fish, fish in really muddy water are all pale in color almost look silver or white. Fish in shallow water are colored to match their enviorment. Think of it as CAMOFLAGE. They blend in to their surroundings which help them catch food. They are the ultimate hunter. IF the dont blend in with their surroundings they go hungry.