Purple queen anthias transitioning?

[Krispifsu]

One of my two female purple queen anthias has developed a noticeably yellow mouth/chin area and the orange stripe along the back seems to be fading. Is this possibly the beginnings of her transitioning to a male? And if so, how long does it typically take? I have also noticed she is starting to swim circles around the other female. Not aggressively (I don't think) more just swimming a tight vertical circle around the other one.

Photo taken under reef breeder LEDs with only all whites.

 

[Krispifsu]

Now





Compared to several months ago

 

[ca1ore]

Definitely looks to be changing to me - note the protruding upper snout. Never had a Tuka turn on me, but other anthias can take a few days to a few weeks.

 

[Krispifsu]

Thanks Simon!

I was hoping that was the case - excited to see it happen!

 

[MIKE NY]

I agree it's changing. I had a group also and after a few years the largest female turned male for me. The transition took a few weeks and unfortunately it became aggressive towards all the other females not allowing them out of the rockwork to feed. I eventually lost all the females, but I think that was the exception and not the norm for this species so hopefully it will be smooth transition for you.