Need advice on masked swallowtail

[Xeniaamore]

Hi, the LFS recently acquired two masked swallowtail angels, and I'm wondering how difficult it is to pair them. They both have identical coloring, which leads me to believe they are the same sex. If I put them in the same tank, will one change sex? One is about twice as large as the other. Thanks!

 

[shifty51008]

They dont change sex, you will have to find a male and female. Males are usually $150 more than females

 

[Xeniaamore]

Hmm, okay. I read an article that said they did and that they could even switch from female to male to female again. But that could be wrong. I can get the "pair"for 250, but I really only want to if they are going to love each other

 

[shifty51008]

You could be correct about them switching genders but i never heard of that.

You might wanna post this in the reef fish forum.

Btw if you can get a pair for 250 i would take it in a heartbeat, ive only seen males for over 300. If we are talking about true japaneese masked swallowtails

 

[shifty51008]

I did just see that females can turn to males but can take a while to do.

You might wanna post this in the reef fish forum, you will get better replies.

For 250 for both though is a steal, usually thats a price just for a female. If were talking about true japaneese masked swallowtails.

 

[Xeniaamore]

Cool thanks for your advice

 

[Xeniaamore]

I think one reason they are less expensive is because at this point they are both female. But they are true swallows, of that I am certain. I don't know a lot about this species other than the like colder water though, so it would be a risk of investment from the start