Blotched anthias spots changed color.

[Steve_Skullsplitter0]

Hi reefers,
My Blotched anthias spots have changed color from yellow to btown. Does that mean it switched sexes ?

 

[Angel_Anthias lover]

I cant say for certain as ive nevernkept one, but im pretty sure as they age they become more darker so they yellow would turn brown however its very possible its changed sex aswell

 

[pcon]

Adult mature pairs I have seen at aquariums such as the Cal Academy both had brown blotches. I don't think it is indicative of sex change, simply maturity.

Cal Academy Pair and an newly discovered Roa butterfly.

 

[suta4242]

How big is your fish?

Coloration in general will intensify when a dominant anthias emerges from a group.

There also seems to be a geographic variation in spot colour with the ones from Japan having nicer coloration, IMO. You can see this in a mixed shipment even among very small fish.

Spot intensity aside, they’re definitely a very unique looking anthias, albeit with a temper to match as they get older.

Hope that helps