Flame Wrasse Behavior

Lacktaters

Lacktaters

New member
This goes on in my tank every night for hours. I'm pretty sure it's nuptial behavior, but I wanted to ask the experts to make sure it isn't aggressive behavior. The male goes all day acting as though he doesn't even notice the females and then all of a sudden IT'S ON!!! He won't leave them alone. He chases them around flashing for hours. Sometimes I worry it might be extremely stressful for the females. I also wonder if they might be changing into males, and he is just showing his dominance. Then I think I'm just worrying too much, and I should just sit back and enjoy the show.

http://youtu.be/-kRmEg3AIdk
 
I'm unable to watch your video at the moment, but what you describe (especially the time of day) is classic courting/nuptial behavior.

Nothing to worry about from the description at least.
 
evolved said:
I'm unable to watch your video at the moment, but what you describe (especially the time of day) is classic courting/nuptial behavior.

Nothing to worry about from the description at least.
Click to expand...

Thanks. If you get a chance, check out the video and let me know what you think. I won't worry about it unless I hear otherwise from you.
 
Perfectly normal. While this can be stressful to the female(s), especially if there is only one female present, the male C. jordani is simply enticing the female(s) to rise into the water column and spawn !

If you notice closely, around the 49s mark, the male produces a short, quick shutter while darting towards the surface ... "IF" the female were to join him, producing that same distinct movement, simultaneously with the male while darting towards the surface, then your jordanis would be exhibiting a classic Cirrhilabrus spawning characteristic. This would include a "spray" of both M/F gametes into the water column ...
 
I need to get my Male Flame wrasse a couple of females!! LOL!! He has lost his swagger and his color is not as brilliant as when I purchased him.

Would other variations of wrasses cause him to color up as well? He rarely if ever flashes these days, he will try to be tough guy with my cromis from time to time. But for the most part, he is very submissive to my Blue Throat triggers and Tangs..
 
EddieJ said:
I need to get my Male Flame wrasse a couple of females!! LOL!! He has lost his swagger and his color is not as brilliant as when I purchased him.

Would other variations of wrasses cause him to color up as well? He rarely if ever flashes these days, he will try to be tough guy with my cromis from time to time. But for the most part, he is very submissive to my Blue Throat triggers and Tangs..
Click to expand...

I've heard male fairy wrasses will flash other male fairy wrasses and that some of them will keep most, if not all, of their color without the presence of a female as long as there is some form of "competition" in the system. You just need to be careful about compatibility among the different types. Some are known to be aggressive towards particular wrasses, but there are no absolutes in this hobby.
 
Lacktaters said:
I've heard male fairy wrasses will flash other male fairy wrasses and that some of them will keep most, if not all, of their color without the presence of a female as long as there is some form of "competition" in the system. You just need to be careful about compatibility among the different types. Some are known to be aggressive towards particular wrasses, but there are no absolutes in this hobby.
Click to expand...
Correct. You'll get flashing but not a show like this without conspecific females.

Watch the video btw; nothing more to add. :)
 
evolved said:
Correct. You'll get flashing but not a show like this without conspecific females.

Watch the video btw; nothing more to add. :)
Click to expand...

Very interesting. I've read many-a-post advising against the purchase of female flames because their tendency to change into males and cause problems. I couldn't resist because I wanted to see the big show. Do you think this is likely to happen with an obviously dominant male presence such as this?
 
Not likely, no ... It greatly depends on a number of specific variables:

Size of the tank. Size/temperament of the conspecific Female(s). Quantity/ratio of Females

Ultimately, the propensity of the male to assert his dominance over the Females/harem, or allow for a sub male to be present within the social hierarchy ...
 
Last edited:
Lacktaters said:
Very interesting. I've read many-a-post advising against the purchase of female flames because their tendency to change into males and cause problems. I couldn't resist because I wanted to see the big show. Do you think this is likely to happen with an obviously dominant male presence such as this?
Click to expand...
Would you rather pick a card or flip a coin? :)

All bets are off on that one. My feelings are the smaller, more juvenile females you start with the better the odds of them remaining female.

The good news is, if the females do transition within the system, so long as it's a big enough tank (which yours is) things generally work out with flames without them killing each other.
 
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