Red-and-white cotton carp (also known as red-and-white koi fish) is a common ornamental fish, and its juvenile color is gray. This is because the body color of red and white cotton carp will change from gray to red and white during its growth. Specifically, the change of body color of red and white cotton carp is caused by the change of melanocytes in its body. In the larval stage, the number of melanocytes is very small, so the body color is gray; With the growth of fish, the number of melanocytes gradually increased, resulting in the body color gradually turning red and white.
2. The color of red and white cotton carp is related to environmental factors.
Besides the change of melanocyte number, the color of red and white cotton carp is also affected by environmental factors. Red, white and cotton carp with good growth environment will have more and more bright colors; However, in the environment of improper maintenance, the color of red and white cotton carp will become dull. Therefore, in order to make the color of red and white cotton carp more beautiful, we need to provide it with suitable growth conditions such as water quality, water temperature and diet.
3. The color of red and white cotton carp is also related to the variety.
Red and white cotton carp is a common ornamental fish, with many varieties, each with different colors and patterns. For example, some red and white cotton carp will have black spots on their backs, while others will present special relief patterns. Therefore, the color of red and white cotton carp is also related to its variety.
4. The color of red and white cotton carp is also influenced by genes.
Besides the above factors, the color of red and white cotton carp is also related to genetic factors. Different genes will affect the body color of red and white cotton carp, and some genes will enhance the synthesis of red pigment and make its body color redder; However, some genes will weaken the synthesis of red pigment, resulting in its body color is white. Therefore, when breeding red and white cotton carp, we should pay attention to its genetic factors and make scientific selection and pairing.