Wrasse Transitioning Question

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

Hey everyone,

I keep reading mixed opinions about wrasses transitioning from females to males. Some claim that all initial phase (females) wrasses eventually transition to male, while others claim that some never transition to male. So which one is it? Please provide an explanation along with the answer.

Best,

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

While there is certainly much variation in this, my opinion is that most terminal sex determinate species (wrasse and anthias for example) have a greater tendency to switch to male phase in captivity (given enough time). Primarily, I see this in bird wrasse and squamipinnis anthias....I don't know why. The presence of alpha males can inhibit this change I think. I have seen male parrotfish apparently revert to female coloration after being in captivity for some time...

Jay

 

[Mr. Fishy Fish]

While there is certainly much variation in this, my opinion is that most terminal sex determinate species (wrasse and anthias for example) have a greater tendency to switch to male phase in captivity (given enough time). Primarily, I see this in bird wrasse and squamipinnis anthias....I don't know why. The presence of alpha males can inhibit this change I think. I have seen male parrotfish apparently revert to female coloration after being in captivity for some time...

Jay

Thank you. I figured they should almost always transition if there isn't a supermale of the same species in the mix.

 

[OrionN]

One should not generalized things like this. Each species of wrasse is different. We may not know everything there is to know about some species, but many of our experienced wrasse keeper can guide you on this, however, generalized questions like this will have generalized answers.

 

[saltyhog]

At least with Cirrhilabrus and Paracheilinus wrasses, transition from female to male is almost a surety. It also seemed to happen in spite of other terminal males in the same genus in the tank. Most of mine have transitioned within 6 months or so. One (my Eight Line flasher) is taking longer but is transitioning.

You can see him in this video about half way (time wise) through transition.

And this is him now.