Angelfish Sex Transition

[Aaron-A2]

I'm looking at picking up two female masked swallowtails. What experience have others had about the female transitioning to a male? Is it likely? How long does it take? Can or never happen?

Thanks!

 

[Mr.Acro]

It really depends on the tank. Their tank-mates, water chem, swimming space and the individual angels will really be the main determinant. Once the process starts it can be as fast as a month, but when and what triggers that transition is the real question.

 

[Aaron-A2]

It really depends on the tank. Their tank-mates, water chem, swimming space and the individual angels will really be the main determinant. Once the process starts it can be as fast as a month, but when and what triggers that transition is the real question.

Yeah, when the transition begins is my true question. As for my situation, the tank is 210g with lots of swim space (minimalist scape).

 

[Mr.Acro]

Interesting, what do you have in terms of tankmates?

 

[Aaron-A2]

Interesting, what do you have in terms of tankmates?

Right now, my tank is going fallow (Ich -- only treated one fish half dose because of their weakness to copper. That was a mistake.

In my QT waiting to be released back into the tank:

• Midas Blenny
• Flame Angelfish (Not aggressive towards Flame Angelfish. Introduced at the same time.)
• Coral Beauty (Not aggressive towards Flame Angelfish. Introduced at the same time.)
• Snowflake Clown
• Whyoming White Clown (Bites my hand 100% of the time. Ignored the fish).

The tank is only 8~ months old. My plan is to eventually add a handful of wrasses, quoyi parrotfish, and 2-3 tangs.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I've found no rhyme or reason to Genicanthus transitioning. I've had females where one transitioned, where none transitioned. I've had m/f where the male reverted, another where he stayed male.