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What color attracts fish?

Published in Fish Attraction 2 mins read

The color that attracts fish the most is green.

Why Green?

Based on the provided reference, green light is highly effective at attracting fish due to a combination of factors:

  • High Lumen Output: Green LEDs often boast a high lumen output, approximately 130 per LED. This brightness makes the light easily visible in the water, catching the attention of fish.
  • Specific Wavelength: Green light has a wavelength of around 520 nm. This wavelength falls within the range of color vision for many aquatic organisms, including shrimp and insects.

How It Works

  • Fish Vision: Many fish species have color vision that is sensitive to green light. Their eyes contain receptors that are highly responsive to wavelengths around 530 nm, close to the wavelength of green light.
  • Prey Perception: The fact that shrimp and insects also have receptors for green light suggests that fish may be attracted to it because it simulates the colors of their prey. The presence of these same wavelengths in both fish and their prey can increase the effectiveness of green light for attracting fish.

Practical Implications

  • Fishing Lights: Many anglers use green-colored fishing lights to attract fish to their boats or docks, due to the light's ability to attract both baitfish and game fish.
  • Aquariums: Green light may be used in aquariums to enhance the colors of plants and some fish species, while potentially also making the environment more appealing to the aquatic life.

Table Summary

Feature Details
Attracting Color Green
Wavelength 520 nm
Lumen Output 130 per LED
Receptor Range 530 nm in fish & their prey
Target Species Many fish, shrimp, and insects

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