How long until yellow coris gets "war paint"

[capt85]

I have a 3.5"-4" yellow coris wrasse that has been in my tank for about a year and a half.

How long did it take yours to develop the colors on it's face?

 

[evolved]

Only males get the coloration you have in mind.

 

[jaa1456]

It took about a year and half for mine to get the color, but like mentioned above, only males have it. Mine is also over 4"s long as well.

 

[DarthSimon]

I got mine around 1.5 to 2 inches. No green stripes on the face, he is now 3.5 inches in about 3-4 months and has the war paint like you call it. It's developing nicely...

 

[capt85]

Then I would assume mine is a female.

If I would get a male would it be safe to add one?

 

[DarthSimon]

For sure add another one!

 

[aleonn]

Mine developed the coloration patterns in about 5-6 months of having him. He's about 3.5-4" now. I didn't know this occurs just in males, so I'm thinking about adding some juvy/female(s)!

 

[Allmost]

I had 3. one became male prety fast,

then the male jumped and I found it too late, and the other larger one turned into a male [changed face color] within a week !

so I assume as others said, u need a pair.

 

[capt85]

Well sounds like once I upgrade I will buy either a male or a smaller female.

Thanks!

 

[evolved]

Add another female. Adding a male to an existing "female" is a scary proposition is the "female" is actually a sub-male.

 

[capt85]

That sounds like a plan. Thanks!

 

[29reef]

Are you sure you have the right species? Do you have a photo?