Female to male?

[Kigs]

I thought I was 100% certain on this fact until yesterday.

Is it or is it not true that once a clownfish turns into a female, she can no longer switch back to a male?

I was discussing the topic w/ a friend and he mentioned that it is possible if required, esp. in the nature. Is it true?

 

[bugbdon]

i'm pretty sure that it's a one way street. in nature most clowns live in colonies, which are headed by the largest fish (female). once she dies the next largest fish (male) becomes female and the next non breeding fish inline becomes sexually active (male). so in nature there would be no need for a female to return to being a male....the clownfish's social behavior doesn't require that ability.

 

[seafansar]

They cannot turn back into males. I wish, but they are strictly protandrous hermaphrodites. Some fish can change sex either way if need be like hawkfishes.