wrasse..please explain the phase

[Nemos Realm]

Can a wrasse expert please explain to me how they determined this fish to be a melanurus terminal phase male? I could see transitioning, but I don't see terminal phase..trying to learn more about the phase descriptions. Thanks!

 

[Marshall O]

You are correct, that is not a terminal phase male. The eye spots on its dorsal and anal fin give it away, along with its coloration and markings.

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[starkii]

I agree plus it doesn't have those vertical missing patches you see in mature males.

 

[Nemos Realm]

Thanks for the responses. I thought that was the case, but I didn't know if I was missing a visual clue that would indicate that this particular fish was as described.

 

[Ican]

I was looking at this fish yesterday as well... It's not even close to terminal phase. My big male has 5 saddle markings, and his body is turning more of a solid blue color while his head still has the defined orange and blue stripes. I have a smaller male that looks much like the picture you have here, but has lost one of his spots and has saddle marks starting. I initially bought him as a female, but he changed almost immediately to a male without the presence of a male in his tank. When I attempted - after QT - to introduce him to the reef, the big male proceeded to beat the crap out of him, so I moved him to the aggressive tank upstairs.

Long story short, the wrasse in the picture above looks like it may be turning male, but is still a juvenile. I would love to get a female, but even if you find one, they turn quickly to males if they are alone.

 

[Nemos Realm]

Ican..thanks for the confirmation. I had that fish all but bought, and cancelled it. I thought maybe there was something I was missing, as I was surprised DD had it wrong. It is a nice looking Mel, but I think it is still at the point it could revert to female or, maybe, never progress any further. I'll keep watching DD..I really would like a BS Leopard to show up on there, but I don't think they put them on too much. Also, I'm kind of afraid of the shipping, as I know the Leopards are a little more fragile.