Genicanthus melanospilos patterns

[bnord]

Hey folks with more experience with this fish. Have had the pictured fish for more or less 18 months. Picked up a smaller female 2-3 months later.

Male has developed a nice set of caudal trailers and 2.5 times to body mass of the female. They tolerate each other, but are not “paired” in any obvious sense.

Question is whether this body pattern will remain through life, or whether it will develop the distinct bars on the body i have seen in shops or on line. I sense i can see one that wasn’t there before.

Any rate, great fish and will be happy either way.

Thanks

 

[i cant think]

Hey folks with more experience with this fish. Have had the pictured fish for more or less 18 months. Picked up a smaller female 2-3 months later.

Male has developed a nice set of caudal trailers and 2.5 times to body mass of the female. They tolerate each other, but are not “paired” in any obvious sense.

Question is whether this body pattern will remain through life, or whether it will develop the distinct bars on the body i have seen in shops or on line. I sense i can see one that wasn’t there before.

Any rate, great fish and will be happy either way.

Thanks View attachment 2857716View attachment 2857716

Chances are you’ll get that nice zebra patterning occur. It takes a while to develop though.
Those streamers he’s sporting are stunners!!
My “weird” male recently began sporting streamers but he hasn’t fully reverted (He was reverting from a full blown male previously).

 

[bnord]

Chances are you’ll get that nice zebra patterning occur. It takes a while to develop though.
Those streamers he’s sporting are stunners!!
My “weird” male recently began sporting streamers but he hasn’t fully reverted (He was reverting from a full blown male previously).
View attachment 2857717

thanks - and indeed the trailers are even longer in person (smile) - patience in a a virtue in all reef related topics

 

[nereefpat]

Male has developed a nice set of caudal trailers and 2.5 times to body mass of the female. They tolerate each other, but are not “paired” in any obvious sense.

I'd still call that a female, although maybe transitioning.

thanks - and indeed the trailers are even longer in person (smile) - patience in a a virtue in all reef related topics

Well said.

 

[bnord]

I'd still call that a female, although maybe transitioning.


Well said.

Gotcha, thanks