Swallowtail angel male question

[shoelaceike]

Has anyone had a male swallowtail stay a male without a female? I got this guy yesterday and I would like it to stay male.

 

[i cant think]

Has anyone had a male swallowtail stay a male without a female? I got this guy yesterday and I would like it to stay male.

They stay male once they’re at that stage most of the time. There is the odd occasion they revert.

I had a questioning specimen of Genicanthus melanospilos. Here’s a photo of mine before he passed.

As you can see, he didn’t revert fully and did hold those streamers that yours has however his pattern reduced. He stayed like this for the 3 years I had him.

I don’t believe these do truly revert once they are males and instead they go into a phase of reduced pattern. The reason I think this is due to most male fish in the wild reducing their colours and not being as showy due to there being no need to properly display full colours without a need to defend territory or court females.

 

[shoelaceike]

They stay male once they’re at that stage most of the time. There is the odd occasion they revert.

I had a questioning specimen of Genicanthus melanospilos. Here’s a photo of mine before he passed.

As you can see, he didn’t revert fully and did hold those streamers that yours has however his pattern reduced. He stayed like this for the 3 years I had him.

Thanks. Did he start out as a full male?

 

[i cant think]

Thanks. Did he start out as a full male?

I bought him as a male, he may have been a hybrid (I came to that conclusion as everyone else seems to say they revert all the way back and not just colour down).

 

[t5Nitro]

That's a cool fish! Not to sidetrack too much -- are they safe with clams in your experiences?

 

[shoelaceike]

That's a cool fish! Not to sidetrack too much -- are they safe with clams in your experiences?

I don't have clams now but they are safe with clams

 

[t5Nitro]

Awesome! I hope he stays with the cool markings and streamers for you. Are you too stocked to add a female as well or other concerns for having one of each? Just asking basic questions as I thought about adding a single male or pair to my tank in the future.

 

[bnord]

I don't have clams now but they are safe with clams

I have clams and they are safe

 

[shoelaceike]

Awesome! I hope he stays with the cool markings and streamers for you. Are you too stocked to add a female as well or other concerns for having one of each? Just asking basic questions as I thought about adding a single male or pair to my tank in the future.

The person I got it from had a female and the male was aggressive all the time so thats not an option