Blue Jaw trigger question

[RealReef7]

So I recently bought a 4" male Hawaiian blue jaw trigger. Just wondering, do I need a female companion in order for him to keep his male colors? I originally planned this blue jaw as my last fish in my 120. Also can a male blue jaw turn into a female?

 

[sealbeach1]

I had one by itself for 2 years and it kept it color...

 

[DustyReefer]

I had one for two years as well, it stayed a male and IMO yours will too. Never heard of one changing sexes. The blue under his chin will become pale or very vibrant depending on mood however, that may be what your experiencing. Perhaps he is unhappy or still becoming acclimatized to the tank and that's why you aren't seeing the vibrant blue coloration. As per the whole pairing thing I never did it but I have heard that they are happier with a mate. That is as long as the tank is big enough for the both of them, not sure how big your tank is.

 

[RealReef7]

Actually his colors are very vibrant and he's really active. Less than 24hrs in the tank and he's acting completely normal. When I upgrade to a 240 this summer I plan on getting him a mate. That leads to another question. Will he show aggression to a female if I add a smaller female later on?

 

[DustyReefer]

I never ended up getting mine a mate, but I've heard that there isn't any aggression towards the newly introduced mate. And I'd say a smaller female would be better than a larger one. Good luck though, the blue jaw is one of my favorites, and I'm planning on getting another when I upgrade as well.

 

[NYCBOB]

does yours hide all day long? i got one 3 weeks ago and it doesnt come out when people r around.

 

[sealbeach1]

All I can say is that they make a great addition to any semi large tank.

 

[RealReef7]

Nope, mine doesn't hide! Its day 2 and I can almost hand feed him. Never owned a fish with so much personality. Only complaint I have is his food intake. I will be picking up a female for him shortly.

 

[DustyReefer]

Nope, mine doesn't hide! Its day 2 and I can almost hand feed him. Never owned a fish with so much personality. Only complaint I have is his food intake. I will be picking up a female for him shortly.

May want to postpone the female until the tank upgrade, a 120 is a bit small for the one. It's great that he's already out and about feeding well though! Congrats