Flasher wrasse sex change

[firefish151]

I saw a group of red sea flasher wrasse Paracheilinus octotaenia at a lfs today, but all were males. There was one beautiful intensely coloured dominant male and several males which were not nearly as colourful. Does any know if a male will change back to female if I buy a group of males? Are there any other flasher wrasse species which will change back from male to female?

 

[Len]

I've read literature either way. From what I can gather without an autopsy, I believe sex reversal is possible and occurs in captivity. The tricky part, however, is the period before this happens; the dominant specimen may harass to death the other males.

 

[Anonymous]

How big's your tank? I have two males of P. filamentosus, and they seem to get along with each other okay in my 125 gallon. They fought a lot at first but one has become the clearly dominant one and now they hang out together. I think if you have enough space it's doable.

 

[firefish151]

The tricky part, however, is the period before this happens; the dominant specimen may harass to death the other males.

Len, would you qurantine them seperetely then introduce them simultaneously into the main tank, or you qurantine them together and introduce them simultaneously.

How big's your tank? I have two males of P. filamentosus, and they seem to get along with each other okay in my 125 gallon.

I have a 120g 4' long tank, so I'm not sure if that's enough room to support 2 males. From what i've read octotaenia is the largest and most aggressive of the flasher wrasses. Did you quarantine your filamentosa seperately or together?

thanks,
Paul

 

[Anonymous]

All species of Paracheilinus are protogynous hermaphrodites meaning *females change into males*. These fish school in harems of one or two males but with the rest females. If the dominate male dies the next dominate male takes over and a female will change to replace it in the order. As Matt said how big is your tank and how deep is your wallet. Providing you have the space it is recommended to purchase a small group of females so the chances are better of getting one to change into a male. Yes 2 males will get along in a tank but one will not change back to a female. Protandrous hermaphrodites are species when the male will change to a female i.e Damsels.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

I can't recollect if there are other fish besides clownfishes (relatives of damned damsels) that start off male and the dominant animal becomes female, though..

 

[mountainbiker619]

From what I have read, the sad thing about flashers is if they do have have a female to pretty themselves up to, that they will eventually lose their beauty and luster.

 

[firefish151]

Providing you have the space it is recommended to purchase a small group of females so the chances are better of getting one to change into a male. Yes 2 males will get along in a tank but one will not change back to a female.
David Mohr

The problem is finding a place that sells the females, I've never seen them for sale.

I can't recollect if there are other fish besides clownfishes (relatives of damned damsels) that start off male and the dominant animal becomes female, though..

There several species of gobies that can change sex in either direction.
http://lsvl.la.asu.edu/biology/faculty/grober2.html
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/Courses/anp ... versal.htm
http://216.239.41.104/search?q=cache:WU ... rsal&hl=en
second article

From what I have read, the sad thing about flashers is if they do have have a female to pretty themselves up to, that they will eventually lose their beauty and luster.

I've heard this too, that's why I was hoping that a male wrasse would revert back to a female.
Paul

 

[Anonymous]

The problem is finding a place that sells the females, I've never seen them for sale.

I have but unfortunately I never comment on individual stores or Internet retailers so hopefully someone else will recommend one.

I can't recollect if there are other fish besides clownfishes (relatives of damned damsels) that start off male and the dominant animal becomes female, though..

There several species of gobies that can change sex in either direction.
http://lsvl.la.asu.edu/biology/faculty/grober2.html
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/Courses/anp ... versal.htm
http://216.239.41.104/search?q=cache:WU ... rsal&hl=en
second article

Well Seamaiden is quite capable of commenting on her own but Gobies are "an other kettle of fish" ( pardon the pun). These are non-haremic fish and readily change back and forth depending on the sexes present.



Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

I can't recollect if there are other fish besides clownfishes (relatives of damned damsels) that start off male and the dominant animal becomes female, though..

Doy! :?

Remind me to never reply to queries when I'm getting ready for work and haven't had my morning quota of coffee.
My reply should have been Amphiprion sp. Now you're gonna make me look up some other *for instances* though at the moment I don't recall any. :lol:
What's wrong with Damsels ? In the right setting they're marvelous little fish in fact some of my favorites.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

Well, I guess it all depends on the damsel, yeah?

 

[Anonymous]

Chrysiptera parasema is the best one, IMO. You can make little groups with them easily.

Paul, I added mine at the same time, and did NOT quarantine them. They were the first fish added to the tank.