Can I add a male Watanabei?

[hogfanreefer]

I have a 4" female in my tank (72X24) with 7 wrasse, a gramma and two clowns. I have access to a male that's about the same size. I know it's best to add them at the same time but I didn't have access to both sexes when I got the female. Will this work or is it too late?

 

[Ambition]

How long have you had the female?

IMO, it would be better to get second smaller female to add with an existing female. This way, if the current female you have is turning male, you won't have two males. Two males don't usually mix well in the same tank.

 

[hogfanreefer]

Yeah that's my fear. I've had her about 3 months. No outward size of changing although her streamers are getting really long. Not sure if that's a male trait or not. No color changes yet though.

 

[breederforlife]

I wouldn't add the male if i was in your place. But a second smaller female would be fine.

 

[Ambition]

The tricky thing is that some people have experienced males reverting to female coloration, so you could have a male that has female coloration... I think the lengthening of the streamers is an indication that you could have a female turning male. Adding a smaller female is how I would go about forming a pair if you would like to pair it.

 

[hogfanreefer]

Thanks guys, this actually works better. I can save some money as a female is much cheaper!

 

[ChadRaay86]

Don't add a new one, go for a bonded pair. You're rolling the dice as your female may be a male in disguise or the female you get could be the same way. Its a crap shoot and it would be best to just start with a good pair.

 

[snorvich]

The tricky thing is that some people have experienced males reverting to female coloration, so you could have a male that has female coloration... I think the lengthening of the streamers is an indication that you could have a female turning male. Adding a smaller female is how I would go about forming a pair if you would like to pair it.

I agree. But this species is difficult and it may or may not work. I have tried adding a male to a female, female to a female and I can assure you it is not a clear cut situation.

 

[hogfanreefer]

I agree. But this species is difficult and it may or may not work. I have tried adding a male to a female, female to a female and I can assure you it is not a clear cut situation.

Thanks Steve. I just couldn't find a male/female or different sized females when I got mine. I think I will just be happy with my one beautiful female and go another direction in my next addition.