What exactly makes a "Super Male" wrasse?

[bknapp]

What exactly makes a wrasse a "super male?" Does it take anything extra to keep it super male?

I know there are quite a few wrasse experts out there (@evolved ).

 

[Reeferdude56]

Wrasses are hermaphrodites meaning they can change sex. Many fish in the ocean are including clownfish. Similarly to clownfish when a female changes sex to become a male it can no longer be able to revert back to being a female. So a super male means the wrasse has changed to a male and can longer turn back, also that it has reached its full male colors.

 

[bknapp]

Thanks @Reeferdude56

 

[evolved]

Wrasses are hermaphrodites meaning they can change sex. Many fish in the ocean are including clownfish. Similarly to clownfish when a female changes sex to become a male it can no longer be able to revert back to being a female. So a super male means the wrasse has changed to a male and can longer turn back, also that it has reached its full male colors.

You're on the right track, but it's quite a bit different than clowns.

Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning as juvi's they are all female and any can transition to male as the environment requires. Once a female begins to transition, the enter the transitional male state, sometimes called sub-male. These are technically males, but in this transitional state social dynamics can come into play. A transitional male may end up "held" or "paused" in this state, and never progress further. And also possible, but exceedingly rare in captivity (less so in the wild), a transitional male can revert back to female.

If a transitional male continues to progress, they will reach a terminal male state. At this point the process is just that; terminal. Terminal males will remain in this male state for the remainder of their life. All a "super male" really consists of is one of the most dominant terminal males, which develops the boldest/brightest coloration.

In the end, it's all a subjective label, as beyond visual clues there's no real telling what state of male some are in. It's easy to spot early to mid transitional males apart from those which are at or approaching terminal male, but it's nearly impossible to label one with certainty as a terminal male. Many view "super male" as not much more than a marketing term to maximize profits.

Personally, I avoid them, as in a tank full of various species any female or young male will get there to the point of terminal male. And it's fun to watch them transition and enjoy for a longer period of time. The age (and remaining lifespan) of a terminal male for sale can be a gamble.

 

[hybridazn]

Once they reach "super male" will they keep the colors even if females aren't present?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Once they reach "super male" will they keep the colors even if females aren't present?

They will "keep" colors if there are rival males, even if different species, as long as they remain on the dominant side of the heirarchy.

 

[bknapp]

Awesome stuff, thanks guys.

 

[evolved]

Once they reach "super male" will they keep the colors even if females aren't present?

They will "keep" colors if there are rival males, even if different species, as long as they remain on the dominant side of the heirarchy.

Exactly!
So that's a "usually", but "it depends" also applies.
Some species won't keep color no matter what though; scottorum being one of the worst offenders here.

 

[bknapp]

Here is the wrasse I received as a super male rosy scale. Do you agree? Either way its a beautiful fish.

 

[evolved]

Sure

I don't put much weight on that term, but that does appear as a terminal male.

 

[bknapp]

Thanks @evolved

 

[bknapp]

Would I be making the correct assumption by saying that with the addition of a terminal male it'll keep my female bipartus female?

 

[evolved]

Would I be making the correct assumption by saying that with the addition of a terminal male it'll keep my female bipartus female?

This terminal male or a terminal male bipartitus?

If this rubrisquammis, then no; there will be little to no interaction between those two.
If we're talking about another bipartitus, then possibly, but no guarantee. There's also a small possibility in that instance one would not accept the other, resulting in the other's death.

 

[bknapp]

Very interesting. Thanks for the great info @evolved

 

[4FordFamily]

For what it's worth I have 20 wrasse in my wrasse tank, 12 of them are fairy wrasse, all but one is male. I bought the males as males, but many of my males are becoming much more vibrant in the presence of all the other males. My exquisite in particular is transitioning in to what I would expect to see labeled as a "super male" with flashy blues and greens popping up all over, especially on the tail and other fins. It's really neat to watch. I've noticed it for the past month or so slowly improving its color.

 

[evolved]

If this rubrisquammis, then no; there will be little to no interaction between those two.

I just want to clarify; this statement is such because they are two different genera. If they were the same genera, this comment would not apply.