Okay, there are experts here on nearly any subject, or at least someone with good search engine findings (And believe me, I've Googled this one to death.). I anticipate, at the very least, some entertaining exchanges.;-)
I have a chocolate oranda, bought back in April when he was maybe three inches long. He is now what I affectionately refer to as nearly "pan-sized", meaning he/she/its body is nearly six inches long without finnage. He is a gorgeous fish and seems very healthy, developing a nice wen (hood). I've never been brand-loyal when it comes to fish food, just buying good stuff, usually from PetSmart. My fish have had everything from Hikari Oranda Gold to Tetra Goldfish Flakes. I also feed the occasional steamed broccoli head to them when they, especially the oranda, seem to enjoy.
My question is, do these fish just sometimes change color? In the past month or so, his color has started to change, from the belly up, to orange. It still makes him/her/it quite a handsome fish, but I *like* the chocolate color. I already have two orange fish, a solid orange and a red and white ryukin. Can I feed them anything that might help him hold the pretty, smoky color? Or am I destined to have orange goldfish? Inquiring minds want to know... Thank you!