Will every melanarus turn male?

[brett559]

Hey guys, I've had my female melanarus in my tank for about 5 months. She (I'm assuming) is still kind of pale bluish-green. Looks very female. Will every melanarus wrasse turn male eventually? Do you need another wrasse in there with them to make the change happen? She's in there with some clowns, a hogfish, a hawkfish, and a firefish.

Wrasse nerds - let me know!

 

[EthanHawaii]

Usually they will turn male by themselves.
My melanurus has seemed to stay female judging by the black spot on the dorsal fin, but it has the color of a male, so it's kind of confusing.

I'll let someone else who knows more about wrasses give you a concrete answer.

 

[evolved]

Usually, yes, but the time frame can be widely different.

In certain circumstances, staying female is possible (but I wouldn't expect it). It would take a very dominant fish who's pretty pushy about reminding everyone of his dominance.

 

[scooter31707]

I believe they will, but not take on the bright colors of a true born male.