Color variation of an individual male pather

[bobcochran]

These color changes have nothing to do with whether he's "fired up" or not. He's pretty much fired up in all the pictures. The first 2 pictures were taken about 2 years ago at the age of ~1 year. He colored up even more for another 9 months or so. Then he hit what I call hormonal over load: being in constant breeding condition for about 18 months. His brilliant colors all but disappeared. He was in his drab state for 6 months. To further my own knowledge I tried to breed him in this condition to a receptive female. He had no interest in breeding! The last 2 pictures (2 different exposures) are his bright colors returning. It's hard to believe all these pictures are the same animal.

 

[Clayton0520]

That’s crazy!! I guess I didn’t realize that they could make that drastic of a color change. He’s beautiful both ways by the way.

 

[Goose502]

I’ve noticed my panther looses the brighter colors starting in about December, through April. Granted I’m not breeding him, but the last three years have shown the same pattern. My lighting adjusts to winter hours, but he also stays inside during this time due to outside temps. Seasonal or breeding season changes?

 

[Clayton0520]

How old is he? Is he an Ambilobe? I’m pretty new to all of this so feel free to correct me.

 

[bobcochran]

How old is he? Is he an Ambilobe? I’m pretty new to all of this so feel free to correct me.

If you do the math he's about 3 years old. And yes, he's a blue bar ambilobe.

 

[bobcochran]

I’ve noticed my panther looses the brighter colors starting in about December, through April. Granted I’m not breeding him, but the last three years have shown the same pattern. My lighting adjusts to winter hours, but he also stays inside during this time due to outside temps. Seasonal or breeding season changes?

This is what I don't understand. My ambilobe definitely don't follow a winter/summer cycle. The males go 1.5-2 years then go into a funk for 6 months. Not an annual cycle at all!

 

[salty dog]

Amazing guy!!

 

[JoXie411]

Wow amazing. Those panthers have some of the most amazing color changes

 

[Clayton0520]

Good to know, I’m planning on getting a Panther Ambilobe