Genetics vs. Food (or photoshop)

[Mission Man]

I just saw in "WTB" a request for "Aulonocara Stuartgranti “Rubescens” – SUPER Ruby Reds!".  I have seen gorgeous pics of Super Ruby Reds and German Reds with iridescent red bodies and neon blue heads.  Are these the result of great genetics, the feeding a good color food, or just Photoshop?  I have been looking for these "Holy Grail Fish", but are skeptical whether they truly exist.

[African cichlid Keeper]

I personally think it photoshop. 

[Marty]

Dependent on which fish you're talking about, genetics can play into coloration.  Some fish (like Ruben Reds) were line bred for color. 

Food can also be a factor with some fish, and there are some brands of food that will make a fishes color pop.

Finally, some fish have been dosed with hormones.  This is more prevalent in Asia, but does happen in the US.

I would also not be surprised if Photoshop was a factor with some unscrupulous sellers.  The best way to ferret that out might be to call the seller and ask them to text you a pic of their current stock or buy the fish in person.

[Bremmon]

As a retired college graphic design instructor and 20yr+ photoshop user, I can tell you 99% of the photos you find on the net are color corrected and way over saturated. I can spot them 100 miles away, and it drives me nuts when people want to show off their fish then make them look like neon Christmas trees.

[lohachata]

i know a guy that sells foods and posts some pictures of his fish that are a bit beyond spectacular...even an idiot like me can tell that they are photoshopped...this is something that i do not believe in..it is more than misleading..and certainly unfair to his customers..
many of the pics we see of normally colorful fish that look beyond what we have seen before have been tampered with..
always be cautious........

[Ron]

... and it drives me nuts when people want to show off their fish then make them look like neon Christmas trees.

x2.

To me they look absolutely ridiculous.