Can Clownfish Change sex from female to male?

[fishguy2727]

I keep hearing conflicting information about this. My understanding was that clownfish only go from neutral/immature male, to male, to female. But I have heard from a couple very knowledgeable people that the females can go back to male. Is this true?

Also, how long does it take them to change sex? (Over night, days, weeks, what?)

Thanks in advance.

 

[michellejy]

Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, and it's a one way trip the way you described.

As for the length of time it takes them to change, a lot depends on the age of the clownfish and if it is being housed with another clownfish.

 

[criccio]

Re: Can Clownfish Change sex from female to male?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687671#post14687671 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishguy2727
But I have heard from a couple very knowledgeable people that the females can go back to male. Is this true?

I heard the same thing from a person who's knowledge I would trust, but he no longer posts, so I have not heard anything since. Not something I would trust in pairing situations unless there is an absolute need though.

 

[fishguy2727]

Found it in my Clownfishes book today, can't go back.

 

[Rod Buehler]

I am starting to wonder, too... I have a possible pair of clarkii that I would have sworn were both female. They are in a tank that I dont observe too much. I am not sure how much I should be reading into what I saw, but the slightly smaller "female" was shuttering submissively in front of the other "female", and then aggressively start cleaning the rock. Ive only seen it once, but am now watching a little closer ..

 

[myxsptlk]

I've just been wondering that myself. I have a pair of black clowns, they were both the same size at time of purchase but one has grown considerably larger than the other, I'm assuming that is the female. She is extremely aggro towards her partner, beating and chasing constantly. I thought having something to host would calm her down so I placed some mushrooms near their spot and stuck a picture of another clown to the glass, this worked on my orange clowns. The first couple nights I moved the picture back and forth to make it look like the clown in the picture was actually moving and funnily enough the female started doing the shaking submissive thing. What is up with that?

 

[Anemone]

There is some disagreement over this. Most say protandrous hermaphrodites. However, there are anecdotal descriptions of "large" (assumed to be female) clowns developing into males in the presence of dominant females. Of course, the assumption that the clown was a female (due to size/age) could be wrong.

I don't think anyone has documented an egg-laying female returning to male state, but I could be wrong.

FWIW,
Kevin

 

[fishguy2727]

Remember they need to go through male before they get to female. So in the case of that larger 'female' submitting it may just still be in the male stage.

How long have you had them myxsptlk?

 

[alleybird25]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14694133#post14694133 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by myxsptlk
I've just been wondering that myself. I have a pair of black clowns, they were both the same size at time of purchase but one has grown considerably larger than the other, I'm assuming that is the female. She is extremely aggro towards her partner, beating and chasing constantly. I thought having something to host would calm her down so I placed some mushrooms near their spot and stuck a picture of another clown to the glass, this worked on my orange clowns. The first couple nights I moved the picture back and forth to make it look like the clown in the picture was actually moving and funnily enough the female started doing the shaking submissive thing. What is up with that?

we have the exactly same situation!

the poor male black and white clown keeps getting nipped and chased by his mate...
I kinda feel bad for him...
but looks like he is enjoying it...?

 

[DeathWish302]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14693030#post14693030 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rod Buehler
I am starting to wonder, too... I have a possible pair of clarkii that I would have sworn were both female. They are in a tank that I dont observe too much. I am not sure how much I should be reading into what I saw, but the slightly smaller "female" was shuttering submissively in front of the other "female", and then aggressively start cleaning the rock. Ive only seen it once, but am now watching a little closer ..

Rod - My female Tomato shutters submissively at me when I wear red or orange shirts while her mate looks at her like she's crazy and he darts off for cover. She only does this once in awhile, maybe every third time I would wear this color??... Apparently I must spook her and it's easier to cower?

 

[myxsptlk]

I've had the black clowns for about half a year now. They have a tank all to themselves. Whenever the female nips at the male all he does is go on his side, but he never does the shaking thing, not once, he just goes into a sort of fetal position. And no he isn't sick or unhealthy, he just seems to take it. When he's not getting beat up he swims around, explores and has a great appetite.