McCosker's Flasher Wrasse pair?

[Darkstar22]

One of the LFS said they have a pair of these. I've read that this wrasse lives in harems. 1 male, and multiple females. If this is a true pair, is it ok to keep just these 2 without a harem?

 

[rwsunrx]

I had a pair that got along great for about six months. They spent a lot of time near each other. This only ended when my 150g LeeMar tank sprang a leak and I had to teardown the whole system for repair. Would love to find a pair of McCoskers again!

 

[snorvich]

One of the LFS said they have a pair of these. I've read that this wrasse lives in harems. 1 male, and multiple females. If this is a true pair, is it ok to keep just these 2 without a harem?

Yes, no problem whatsoever. Most LFS sell any male + female of the same species as a pair and they get along just fine.

 

[Darkstar22]

That's great. I think I'll pick them up! If they are still there tomorrow. It's $45.00 ea, or the pair for $80.00......good, bad, average?

 

[snorvich]

That's great. I think I'll pick them up! If they are still there tomorrow. It's $45.00 ea, or the pair for $80.00......good, bad, average?

It depends. If the male is a full blown male, a pretty good price.

 

[Darkstar22]

Went to LFS, and it was not a full blown male...2 females. I didn't get them, because I'd really like the male with the nice dorsal fin! They will be ordering one, and if the 2 females are still there I may buy all 3!

 

[snorvich]

Went to LFS, and it was not a full blown male...2 females. I didn't get them, because I'd really like the male with the nice dorsal fin! They will be ordering one, and if the 2 females are still there I may buy all 3!

Lucky guy!

 

[Mothercolony]

I think you should have the store quarantine the females and when the male comes in, you should have them do the same.

That's an awesome wrasse, best of luck. I wish someone in Los Angeles had a mini heirem for sale.

 

[snorvich]

I think you should have the store quarantine the females and when the male comes in, you should have them do the same.

That's an awesome wrasse, best of luck. I wish someone in Los Angeles had a mini heirem for sale.

Having a store quarantine is an oxymoron. Fish systems share water.

 

[Darkstar22]

I thought about buying the two females, and then waiting for the male to come in...is this a good idea? I'm a little confused. If you have 2 females, only...will one become male and actually have the elongated dorsal fin too? They are hermaphroditic fish so is this what happens? Or is a male a male?

 

[Darkstar22]

If you plan to keep a harem (which is recommended for maximum flashing and displays by the male), add the females first, let them establish, then add the male. Be advised however that P. mccoskeri are protogynous hermaphrodites; depending on social interactions, wrasses that are born as female can and will turn to males in as little as 10 to 14 days.
Answered my own question LoL! This is an excerpt from a very informative article I found.