RCS drastically losing colour?

[baconnlegs]

I recently set up a new 5g for a single RCS - I have one, and I plan to make it an RCS-only tank, once I acquire a little colony. But when i moved her from a 10g to the 5g, she went from opaque brick red with a cream stripe, to clear, with a hint of pink in the tail, in just a couple days! I've never seen such a huge change. What's going on?

Some info:
Previous tank was a 10g with several Amano, 2 Kuhlis, 1 betta, apple snails. Black eco-complete substrate and black background, Finnex Fugeray lighting ~12hrs per day. Well planted.

Current tank is 5g, clay-red Flourite Dark, single female RCS, 1 apple snail. Driftwood, and lightly planted with Wisteria, crypt, and moss. Temp is the same in both tanks, about 75F. However, this tank sits in an east-facing window and gets only sunlight throughout the day (less than 1 hr direct sunlight, very early in the morning).

I know darker substrates bring out darker colours in the shrimp, but I wasn't expecting to see my shrimp go nearly-clear. Could it be that she's not 'displaying' her colours because there are no other shrimp around?

[Darren and/or Sarah]

I read once before that the threat level in the tank can also make them become darker/lighter...maybe that's it..no more threats.

[freshwater]

Might be ready to molt, some of mine look pale just before they shed there shell

[gabor129]

I also noticed some of my shrimps loosing their color before a molt. Also is it possible that it is a he and not a she? Usually stress will cause color loss as well!

[baconnlegs]

Darren, I'm going to throw in some threats....

I've noticed that they can get sort of milky before a moult, but never glass-clear, it's very strange. Esp because she was a solid, opaque 'painted' red before. I spotted her hitching a ride on my snail earlier today, and she had a bit more colour, but not exactly what she was. Maybe she's lonely... I mean, she's really the only thing in the tank, there's little for her to interact with. Better get me some shrimpies!

[andynater]

Its because you moved the shrimp. Cherries stress easy so if the water was different they will lose there color. Thats why its best when you buy new ones usually to get a range of ages, juvies will travel the best and lose less color.

I had mine seem to color down a bit then since ive moved and re filled the tank they've been really bright red.