Question for Wrasse Enthusiast

[vcam]

Hey guys,

I've been doing a bunch of reading and can't seem to come to one clear answer... hopefully, one of you has first-hand experience or is better at google than me

What decides the sex of a wrasse? -From what I've read, it is in regards to who of the same family is more dominant. This then becomes the Male if I'm correct.

When there are multiple wrasses in a tank of different families, do they all become males? is the sex 50/50 chance? or does it still work on the dominant factor?

Reason being I have a solorensis (2in, male) and a Cirrhilabrus cf lanceolatus (1~1.5~in, juvenile? or female?). Was wondering what I can expect the Cirrhilabrus cf lanceolatus to sex into.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

If they are the only ones in the tank, then they typically turn male. In my experience, most wrasses end up male, even with other males in the tank.

 

[MIKE NY]

Mostly like if they are different species they will eventually turn male. A few years ago I had a male Melanarus and a male Greyhead. I found a juvi which I thought was either one of those, many Halichoeres species look very similar when small, and would be happy if it stayed female. I was pleasantly surprised three years later when it matured into a beautiful male Richmonds.

 

[vcam]

were all three in the same tank for the entire period?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Most Cirrhilabrus, Paracheilinus, and Halichoeres wrasses will readily transition into a male regardless of whether or not there is already a male in the tanks. Macropharyngodon and Anampses species seem to be more reluctant to transition in captivity.

 

[MIKE NY]

were all three in the same tank for the entire period?

Yes.... I feed my tank heavily which I believe helps with aggression and coral nipping.

 

[vcam]

Perfect, thanks everyone !