Blue Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus cyaneus) - Transitioning Process

[cristata.reef]

I'll be starting a new tank sometime in the near future (exact size is tentative but it'll be at least 50 gallons) and I was planning on getting a blue flasher wrasse. However I've only been able to find females/initial phases (or at least ones sold as females of this species).

To my understanding, if no male is present, the largest and most dominant female will begin to transition. Therefore if I am not able to obtain a male, I could start with a female and eventually end up with one?

If so, how long would the transitioning process take? (cause lets be honest, I just want to see the colors on the supermale)

Any feedback, advice, or personal experience is always welcome. Cheers!

 

[KJ]

@eatbreakfast

 

[saltyhog]

I've had it happen in just a month or two and I've had it take 6+months. My Flame Fairy wrasse (a little apples to oranges) she has gone from a sub 2" pale female to an almost terminal male in about 7 months. TJ or Hunter should be able to be more specific than I can be.

 

[cristata.reef]

I've had it happen in just a month or two and I've had it take 6+months. My Flame Fairy wrasse (a little apples to oranges) she has gone from a sub 2" pale female to an almost terminal male in about 7 months. TJ or Hunter should be able to be more specific than I can be.

Oh cool! I was expecting it to take longer, maybe a year or something

 

[eatbreakfast]

It depends on it's maturity, but anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

 

[cristata.reef]

It depends on it's maturity, but anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

And is it guaranteed that they will transition?

 

[eatbreakfast]

And is it guaranteed that they will transition?

No guarantees, but it is very likely.

 

[CindyKz]

Just my 2c, but my fairy wrasse was given to me as a female (I actually think he was an initial phase male) . Whatever, watching the transition to terminal male was the coolest thing! I wouldn't even consider buying a termianl phase male and missing out on that process.

 

[cristata.reef]

Just my 2c, but my fairy wrasse was given to me as a female (I actually think he was an initial phase male) . Whatever, watching the transition to terminal male was the coolest thing! I wouldn't even consider buying a termianl phase male and missing out on that process.

The females are certainly cheaper as well and watching it transition would be similar to watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly I suppose. Never even thought of it that way. Thanks!