Lyretail Anthias changing sex

[kilroy217]

I need some advice. I had three lyretail anthias (one male and two female). Unfortunately, the male didn't make it. I purchased a new male and started quarantine. In the many weeks it took to quarantine the male, one of the females appears to be beginning transition to male. I see a slight color change in the body, a spike on the dorsal fin and spots on the pectoral fins. I am ready to put the new male in the tank, and was wondering, since the fish is still transitioning into male, will it revert back if the new male is dominant over it? If I add the new fish, should I expect aggression? Is it safe to add the new fish? Can two males survive together with only 1 female?

thanks!

 

[itz frank]

No. You'll end up with a dead male. Probably better off getting a female on trade for the one oyu have.

 

[falconut]

I believe they only transition from female to male. Maybe it didn't fully transition to male and maybe it will just be 2nd in the pecking order. But, I would imagine there would be some aggression. I had a trio in my 90 years ago and the male occasionally chased the 2 females.

I didn't notice your tank size in the post, but if it's big enough, it's possible it could work. But, be ready to remove it if the aggression gets real bad.

 

[kilroy217]

I didn't notice your tank size in the post

It's a standard 125G, 6ft wide

 

[jbvdhp]

In my tank, I have a semi-transitioned female. You can tell she's the next in line if the male ever perishes, but he keeps everyone in check. The semi-transitioned female has a spike, but she's kept her female colors mainly, and like I said, she's been put in check each time and they square off alot.

Mines the African type, and when the female was transitioning to a male, you could clearly see her colors becoming darker, like a brownish color; is your's at this stage? If your true male is dominant, I think she'd be put in check and won't fully transition.

 

[kilroy217]

Mines the African type, and when the female was transitioning to a male, you could clearly see her colors becoming darker, like a brownish color; is your's at this stage?

No, the color went from a vibrant orange to a somewhat pinkish orange. Just the slightest coloration change. The real standout for me was the spike on the dorsal fin.

 

[jbvdhp]

No, the color went from a vibrant orange to a somewhat pinkish orange. Just the slightest coloration change. The real standout for me was the spike on the dorsal fin.

hmm... Im trying to remember what mine ended up doing, but I distinctly remember it was darkening in color (like almost "dirty" orange) and the fins became darker, and the spots developed on the fins. I'll be adding two more Indian Ocean lyre tails soon (and hopefully I get this order of 8 bimacs in soon).

 

[CHSUB]

once they start they don't go back, ime. however, i have two males and several females and all are fine. if they have room they will stay away from each other. how big is your tank? mine are in a 5' 300 gal.

 

[kilroy217]

how big is your tank?

125gal, 6ft

 

[CHSUB]

mine both changed in the DT, so i guess that is different than adding another male? i would try to give away/sell the second male, i think. i never bring fish back to the LFS.

 

[kilroy217]

mine both changed in the DT, so i guess that is different than adding another male? i would try to give away/sell the second male, i think. i never bring fish back to the LFS.

I've had it in QT for nearly 6 weeks - there is no bringing it back at this point.