Question about my wrasse??

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by rc_mcwaters3, Aug 26, 2015.

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  1. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    I have a Bluehead Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura) that was ordered through Liveaquaria months ago. It came in at roughly 2 inches and has since grown to close to 4 inches in my 90 gallon reef tank. Its color at the time was a blue with maroon in the flank and has stayed that way, I noticed the picture of the species was much different compared to the actual fish I have. So is it because mine is still in its juvenile phase or is the color just plain on this species? I can get a better picture but there is a black dot on th base of his tail that still shows.

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  3. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    If it's truly a blue head fairy wrasse, they are a colorful species in adult form.

    Yours could be female. I find it hard to imagine a 4" one still a juvenile.

    Introducing another species of fairy wrasse might bring out more color.

    I guess we wait for evolved.
     
  4. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    After some looking around I think your wrasse is a ruby head fairy wrasse, C. cf cyanopleura.
     
  5. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    It's cyanopleura, but it's female. Normal appearance for such.
     
  6. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    well its actually closer to 2 3/4-3 inches long but if its a female im annoyed. It was ordered as a male as far as the order is described so its a big bummer not to have the color I was after.

    She does well with the Longfin fairy though so maybe a male would be ok to put in the tank with her?

    and will they eventually change sex into a male of is that a myth?
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2015
  7. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    I also tried to get better pics.

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    [​IMG]
     
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  9. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    I wouldn't do that; often does not work well.
    Nothing mythical about it; will transition with time.
     
  10. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    Time I have and I do love her personality, just have to be patient as with everything in the hobby.

    Is there a safe way to facilitate a change or is it based off environmental conditions similar to clownfish?
     
  11. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

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    No and no.
    Environmental meaning a function of all other tank inhabitants, tank size, and hierarchy amongst everyone.