How long until my Scotts wrasse's colors all return?

[4FordFamily]

I know that they get dull im the absence of females or other similar wrasses - I've had him for about 2 months and he appears to be getting his red spot and a tiny bit more color back, but still is largely dull.

He is a Cook Islands Scotts fairy wrasse with:

Exquisite fairy wrasse (Maldives),
Lubbocks fairy,
Solar fairy,
Mccoskers flasher,
Filamented flasher,
Yellow coris
Vroliks
Male blue star leoprd
Female blue star leopard
3 female leopard
Female potters
Female black leopard

No shortage of wrasses. I think his closest cousin is the exquisite wrasse.

Anyway, he has lots to show off for and compete with!

Anyone have experience in this regard?

 

[Mike&Terry]

Without Cirrhilabrus females, it is highly unlikely that his colors will return.

 

[4FordFamily]

I've heard that other males will have the same effect?

 

[eatbreakfast]

I've heard that other males will have the same effect?

This usually is true, but scotts are notorious for losing color in aquaria, and since they are on the aggressive side for a fairy wrasse I wouldnt try to add a female as the male's advances may be too much for her. Sometimes placing a fairly large mirror at the glass will get hi, to think their is a rival conspecfic in his territory, causing him to redevelop his colors, as the colors are a symbol to females and rival males of his virility.

 

[evolved]

^Yup; 100% agree.

Scotts almost always dull out and are an exception to the rules on keeping coloration; there's really no avoiding it.

 

[4FordFamily]

^Yup; 100% agree.

Scotts almost always dull out and are an exception to the rules on keeping coloration; there's really no avoiding it.

Well this sucks! I will try the mirror. He has gotten a bit prettier with the other wrasses around, he is actually very mild in this tank. My guess is that the large number of wrasses contributes to this.

Maybe I need a lineatous or labouti (sp).

Or do they too lose color? :D