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- Jul 23, 2008
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From what we have observed keeping young torts (cherryheads) to maturity, is their color intensity seems to reach its peak at a mid sub adult size (5"-6"). Then what seems to happen is they go through phases throughout the year in which the colors dull and intensify depending on the time of the year. For instance during egg laying season, the females tend to dull out. Once the females have had time to recoup, their colors brighten up again.
I think what gives cherries the appearance that they lose their color is the tendency of the top head scales to get very dry, masking the color underneath. This could be due to keeping ours outdoors almost all year long. The lower portions of the head (cheeks, nose, jaw), never seem to ever dry out and "lose color". I am sure this would not happen if we kept them in Brazil. Just looked at the Brazilian Santa Rita pics, and not many dry heads if at all.
I think what gives cherries the appearance that they lose their color is the tendency of the top head scales to get very dry, masking the color underneath. This could be due to keeping ours outdoors almost all year long. The lower portions of the head (cheeks, nose, jaw), never seem to ever dry out and "lose color". I am sure this would not happen if we kept them in Brazil. Just looked at the Brazilian Santa Rita pics, and not many dry heads if at all.
