Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse Juveniles

Conesus_Kid

Premium Member
I have a question regarding the Paracheilinus carpenteri juveniles:

Have they become males yet? If so, would they revert to female?

The reason I ask is that I was hoping to purchase three juveniles for my 75 gallon aquarium. I was wondering if one would become the dominant male and the other two remain (or revert to) females.

I'd appreciate any light you could shed on this.

Thanks!
 
Conesus_Kid,

The Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse is a very beautiful fish. Carpenter's Flasher Wrasses are a dimorphic species meaning Males change sex from females however; the Males do not switch back to females. The specimens that we sell are in their juvenile state and have not morphed into their adult gender. However, since the Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse is conspecies aggressive we would not recommend adding more than one to the aquarium.

Luci Z
LiveAquaria
Drs Foster & Smith
 
Thank you for the quick response, however, it seems to conflict with the information about the Carpenter's on your website:

The Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse requires a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with a tight-fitting lid since it is a jumper. A grouping is acceptable and often recommended, since the females will encourage the male to perform colorful displays. The females should be introduced into the tank first. It is often harassed by other fish so the Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse should be the first species introduced into the aquarium. It is best to keep it with peaceful tank mates.

I would expect a bit of in-fighting as the hierarchy is established. Are we talking about "fights to the death" here?

Thanks for any more information you can provide.

Take care,
 
Conesus_Kid,

You are correct the Male Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasse would perform colorful displays more often if there were Females in the aquarium. As mentioned in your quote the females should be added to the aquarium first. When you order a group you would not know the sex of the specimens, making it difficult to follow the recommendation. It is highly probable the Male Carpenter’s Flasher Wrasses will fight to the death, therefore we would not recommend adding a group unless you know for sure the sex of the specimens you are adding.


Luci Z
LiveAquaria
Drs Foster & Smith
 
Back
Top