Wrasse ID

[sponger0]

I got this wrasse today and it was labeled as a red head wrasse. But Im a little skeptical. Has a redish tint running through the body but the head is more like a green color with a blue body.

 

[Ambition]

I'm not sure but it is either C. lyukyuensis or C. cyanopleura.

 

[Chooch1]

Looks like a blue sided, C. cyanopleura, to me.

 

[sponger0]

If this is a cyanoplaura, then what is my other wrasse? I researched it and was listed as a cyanoplaura but the markings are completely different? Not seen in the pic but towards the tip of the fins and tails is like an orange/yellow tips

 

[sponger0]

Ok.....after looking it up. One is c. cyanopleura and the the other looks to be c. cf. cyanopleura. Am I right?

 

[bullitr]

It's a blue sided wrasse

 

[sponger0]

They both are? Or just the top one?

 

[reefjunkie42]

the only diffrence is a yellow marking on the side. is it there?

 

[reefjunkie42]

C. lyukyuensi white bottom.both

 

[sponger0]

the only diffrence is a yellow marking on the side. is it there?

There isnt really yellow markings but more like yellow highlights.

 

[evolved]

I'm not sure but it is either C. lyukyuensis or C. cyanopleura.

Genetically the same species; the former is a moniker for the latter.


Both of your fish are C. cyanopleura. The difference in appearances are due to regional variations.

 

[Ambition]

Genetically the same species; the former is a moniker for the latter.


Both of your fish are C. cyanopleura. The difference in appearances are due to regional variations.

I didn't know that. You learn something new all the time!

Thanks for this, Hunter.

 

[sponger0]

Yes I was aware of the different color patterns based on where they are from. I noticed this when I was looking at exquisite wrasses. There is one particular pattern that I like best from them.

So I have 2 cyanopleuras? How can I tell their sex?

 

[sponger0]

Anyone? I dont know how to tell the differences in male and females in wrasses. Well pretty much any fish lol.

 

[38bill]

Mislabled as a Red Head wrasse. Probably meant Ruby Head wrasse.

 

[Ambition]

Anyone? I dont know how to tell the differences in male and females in wrasses. Well pretty much any fish lol.

Generally speaking, female wrasses are duller/more drab color than the males. This is the case with pretty much every fairy and flasher wrasse that I know of, but there are a few that don't quite fit that pattern. Solon fairy comes to mind. I'm sure reefjunkie, Hunter, and others can expand on this.

Keep in mind that most wrasses you find are males. Females aren't as common or are going male already.