What makes a Supermale?

Salty1962

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While roaming all of the fish stores online, I run across a "Super Male" identification in many species. My question is, what makes a male fish a "Super Male"? I've had many fish that fall within the ability to become "Super Males" but have not had any become the "Super" of the species. Many of the fish I've had have been residing in my tank for 1-2+ years with them being the only species of the fish group, wrasses, blennies, etc. Is it because it's the only fish in the tank of the species, have I not had them long enough, does diet effect it?
Your help in educating me with this is appreciated!
 
@evolved would tell you this.

"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."



Did I make myself look smarter by quoting someone who actually is smart? :p
 
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Thx, I appreciate the info! That's what I thought I was thinking......
Just a fyi, the link doesn't work:confused:
 
Thx, I appreciate the info! That's what I thought I was thinking......
Just a fyi, the link doesn't work:confused:
Link does not work for me either I don't know why some of those articles don't link well
 

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