Female Lyretail Anthia turning Male

[Darth_Kirk]

I’ve had this group of Lyretails for almost 3 years. 1 Male, 5 Female. Male is still going strong, but the largest female seems to be turning male. Just wondering if this will create an issue with 2 males and 4 females. It’s 460 gallon, so hoping it won’t be a problem, but I’ve never had 2 males before. Not a great picture, but the changing fish has moved to one end of the tank.

 

[ncaldwell]

Maybe she can sense something wrong with the old Male and it's time to replace him. I know my Male is very dominant over his females. I'd be ready to remove one. Probably the older Male as another female might change if you remove the new Male.

 

[Baldguy]

A tank that big can handle more than one male. I wouldn't be worried.

 

[ncaldwell]

Oops, didnt see the size. Maybe she decided there was enough room to stake her own claim and start a harem

 

[eatbreakfast]

With that tank volume they should be fine.

 

[Darth_Kirk]

That was what I was thinking, but never seen it happen before. Interested to see how it goes.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Ive had this happen in a 180 and had to remove the older male, but I agree it might not be a problem in a tank your size. But even in a tank that big, with nothing else to do all day but harass the old male, it’s still a possibility you’d have problems.