Genicanthus males - your experiences?
- Thread starter SDguy
- Start date
Not only the color issue, but adding a male to an established female may not go so well, either.
Bought a male and female Watanabei together from LFS. Tank is 4 x 2.5 x 2.5' and the other inhabitants were a small ocelaris clown and a chevron tang. The male chased the female like crazy at first, but this tapered off. After 2 or 3 years (can't remember), they would chase once a month or so, when I happened to be looking of course, and then the male suddenly was gone. Looked for jumped carcass, but there was none. He must have suddenly died somehow. In any case, the cleaner shrimp would have chowed him before I saw anything.
I guess my point is that they can stay male for several years in a 150. He was healthy looking. However, I have way fewer fish than most people have in a 150. I still have the female and the other fish. That was two years ago or so.
G1
I guess my point is that they can stay male for several years in a 150. He was healthy looking. However, I have way fewer fish than most people have in a 150. I still have the female and the other fish. That was two years ago or so.
G1
No, not at all. Stayed 'vibrantly' male the whole time. Oh an I should mention that they would spawn a lot. A white 'cloud' would bring my attention to the tank, and the two fish would be sort of fluttering near each other. Pretty cool. I remember when I saw it the first time - immediately looked up online to see if I might be making baby watanabeis - learned I wouldn't be of course!
Finally, some updates. Note the increase instripes since here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15843643&postcount=60
Thank you!
Jacob D
New member
I've had mixed experience, mostly with watanabes. In my previous tank I kept a pair for about 3~4 years. They both always stayed the same sex. That was a 75g mixed reef, lightly stocked. In my current tank I have a single male who has almost fully reverted back to female coloration. This is in a 360g moderately stocked mixed reef. I have to check my records but I might have had the fish 4-5 months and that is how long it has taken to revert. I have photos, but they're on my other computer so I can't post them at the moment.
I'm hoping to find and add a couple of females soon, maybe he'll get excited and color up again.
BTW Peter, your male melanospilos has got some great color, one of the best I have ever seen.
I'm hoping to find and add a couple of females soon, maybe he'll get excited and color up again.
BTW Peter, your male melanospilos has got some great color, one of the best I have ever seen.
acronautical
New member
Peter, "Big Blue" is the studliest Genicanthus of ALL TIME!
THEDLO
New member
Excellent read. after absorbing all this info what seem most likely is like mentioned earlier, they turn pseudo-female when there is not "competition" e.g. no need to show there "lions mane" im tempted to try and get a male bellus or watanabe and keeping it in a clear container to "provoke" my male into showing its colors.....or i may try just a mirror and or pictures of other males....thanks for restoring my faith Peter lol. i may also add another female. not sure yet tho. ill keep u guys posted 
P.S.
BTW that Male is a super male Peter!! very jealous!
P.S.
BTW that Male is a super male Peter!! very jealous!
