Fairy Wrasses: A couple of questions

[small alien]

Hi. Are there significant color or finage differences between male and female fairy wrasses? Will males lose their color or fail to show it if there are no females present like flashers?

And, if you like, what's your favorite fairy wrasse?

Thanks, the small one

 

[giant2na]

I've seen some major variations in color between males and females, the latter being the brightest.

 

[Elysia]

A lot of times the different genders do not even look like the same fish, but that doesn't mean that the females are without color -- females may be pink or pink w/ red stripes while a male may be red and yellow -- the male's colors are just contrast better and are super saturated. They are beautiful fish.

 

[small alien]

Females brighter, eh? Interesting. Thanks. Anyone else?:spin2:

 

[snorvich]

What sized tank are you putting these in? What other inhabitants?

 

[small alien]

Standard 75 RR with pair of clowns, harem of dragonets, small blenny, shrimp goby w/ shrimp, and a pipefish or two.

I am also researching and considering leopard wrass(es) but I might just want to do something more reliable which led me to the fairies.

I know they're jumpers and I think 75 should be enough room for one or two. Just want to know if I need a pair (or harme) for them to keep their colors? And of course anything else I'm not considering. Thanks.

 

[small alien]

Oops, forgot a couple. Rainford's Goby, Bangaii Cardinal also.

 

[wrasseguy2]

the males are going to be brighter in color and will lose color without females..the fairys that are blue/green in color seem to lose the most color while most of the ones that are red tend to keep thier color better without females..females colors are not as vibrant as the males but some female fairys look just as nice as the males imo..there are some that are very aggressive for fairys like c. scottorum and c. filamentosus..one of my favorites is c. rubrisquamis..fairys are expert jumpers so a top is a must for these guys

 

[bradleyj]

I agree.

 

[small alien]

Thanks. Which would be more appropriate for a 75, 1 male/2 female flashers or fairies? Or is that tank just too small for 3 of either? Is that the preferred ratio for a "harem"?

Thanks.

 

[snorvich]

Flashers would work in the ratio of 1:2 but 1:1 would also be fine especially in that sized tank.

 

[small alien]

What is the best way to acquire a m/f pair? There's a gorgeous yellow finned male on DD. Would I be able to add a female later or do they both need to go in at the same time? Would a male flash at a different species of flasher female? Thanks.

Well, there WAS one!

 

[snorvich]

Females can be added later. DD often has the females as well as the males.

 

[small alien]

Thanks, Steve. Has anyone ever tried a mixed species pair of flashers? Did it work? Did the male flash? Thanks.

 

[iamwrasseman]

mix and match will usually work as well as you dont get multiple mals and above was mentioned that females are more colorfull and its the opposite ,the males are usually brighter and overall more colorfull .

 

[small alien]

Thanks.