Is this a Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse? Possibly a juvenile?

dturner · Sep 19, 2012

Hey guys,

I recently purchased what was labeled as a male and female pair of carpenter's flasher wrasses (a pair for only $50!). The female looks like one, but the male doesn't seem to have as much color as other carpenter's flasher wrasses I have seen. I am thinking it could be a juvenile and is possibly still developing its colors, but I'm worried it could be a different fish altogether. I still purchased it because I assumed it was just a Juvenile still developing colors, but I haven't been able to find many pictures of juveniles online.

Can anyone with experience with Carpenter's Flasher Wrasses please tell me if A) It is a carpenter's wrasse and B) If you think it's colors will improve with time?

Thank you!

evolved · Sep 20, 2012

Photo required

dturner · Sep 20, 2012

evolved said:
Photo required

Can you not see the photo? It's there. I checked and double checked.

mainereefer · Sep 20, 2012

looks like the stripe pattern on the male I had

evolved · Sep 21, 2012

dturner said:
Can you not see the photo? It's there. I checked and double checked.

Oops; likely blocked on this network. Give me a min.

evolved · Sep 21, 2012

Indeed a P. carpenteri. I would need to see the fins in order to determine sex, but I can say it does not at all appear to be a terminal male. Which makes it either sub-male or female, but I'd need to see the fins to make that call.

Regardless, it doesn't matter much if you have a pair. One of them will transition to terminal male in time, meaning you'll get those bright colors you're after.

dturner · Sep 22, 2012

evolved said:
Indeed a P. carpenteri. I would need to see the fins in order to determine sex, but I can say it does not at all appear to be a terminal male. Which makes it either sub-male or female, but I'd need to see the fins to make that call.

Regardless, it doesn't matter much if you have a pair. One of them will transition to terminal male in time, meaning you'll get those bright colors you're after.

That's great. Glad you were able to see the picture and identify it. Thank you for your time, that's the answer I was looking for!