Lyretail anthias sex change....a new record?

[xxtriggermanxx]

have you ever had one start to flip only to stop half way and then have a different one flip ? seems like this might be my story.

 

[SDguy]

No, I have not. I've always made sure to get small, definite females only, so that there is no confusion. The females, twice now, have always figured things out on their own without any fighting.

 

[wrasseguy2]

that cool peter keep us updated

 

[bradleyj]

Mother nature doesn't mess around.

 

[dvmsn]

I introduced two orchid dottybacks the Thursday before last. They were similar size when introduced. The "male" was noticeably large and fuller within days. I have also had a similar experience with a potters that I added a smaller female to the tanks. In several days the larger male's colors had intesified and switched to a more orange or purple base (sorry I can't remember which, it was too long ago)

 

[sanchoy]

I feel left out. I ordered 3 females and 1 male awhile back. The male came in smaller than one of the larger females. the male was red and turning, however he is smaller than the largest female. Now the larger female is punking him around and turning for the last month. It seems both are stuck in between turning fully due to the battle for super male.

 

[goochesfish]

SD guy, we have the same sized tanks. How many fish do you have? I want to add 3 female lyretails but I already have 12 fish. I don't want to be overstocked.


blue hippo, chevron tang, 2 percula clowns, 2 gobies, mystery wrasse, 4 chromis.
I also have a yellow tang in QT

 

[SDguy]

I'm probably the wrong person to ask about stocking questions, really.

Depending on your filtrations. I'd say you'd probably be fine. I'd reconsider the yellow tang. That blue and chevron already get BIG, and Zebrasomas are just a bit too aggressive IMO.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Just wanted to chime in on this thread too, about a year back my male lyretail started to go downhill. Within about 2 days he was dead, 4 days after that the dominant female already looked like any other male. Amazing. I think she probably started the process as soon as the male started losing his health. I'm sure the internal changes keep occuring for weeks or months after, but that coloration shift has to happen quick to secure that social spot!

 

[small alien]

I read that the dorsal ray will begin to lengthen within hours.Amazing. And nice photos. Thanks for sharing.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I know in my harem the dominant female developed the dorsal spike but otherwise stayed female until the male died.

 

[SDguy]

Both of my largest females had slight dorsal spikes for the last year or so.

 

[SDguy]

I forgot how ugly they get during the change :lol:

Luckily I have other things to look at

 

[SDguy]

Updated pic:

 

[SDguy]

Next in line

 

[jefathome]

Updated pic:

Is that a Square-Spot in the background?
Looks like a male, but I dont see the markings on the lower fins.

 

[SDguy]

Is that a Square-Spot in the background?
Looks like a male, but I dont see the markings on the lower fins.

Just dispars and one carberryi.

 

[jefathome]

Here is a pic of my sp anthias... Not just a super-male. A Super-Duper male.

 

[jefathome]

Just dispars and one carberryi.

Ah...I saw that mark that goes from the eye to the fin and it looked a lot like the one on my SP.

 

[SDguy]

Squarespots are one of my favorite anthias. If I had a BIG tank, I would have them for sure! Sweet looking male, BTW!