When do ribbion eels change sex/color?

[CCUreef]

Hi everyone, I've had a juvenile black/yellow ribbon eel for 2 years now and was wondering if anyone knows when they change color/sex? The LFS that I bought him from had him for a year before I got him. So he is at least 3+ years old now. I can't really find any information on when they change and was wondering if anyone could drop some knowledge on me. Thanks!

 

[CCUreef]

ribbon* New member here and don't know how to edit the title of the thread haha

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Bump! @tyler1503 is the guy I'd ask. I don't know much about these guys.

 

[eatbreakfast]

What color is it now? They are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they start male and transition to female. There can be various factors that determine if and when they change.

 

[CCUreef]

Still male and black with a the yellow dorsal streak.. He shows no sign of color change at all on his body. Do you know what factors cause them to change? I can't find any info on it.

 

[eatbreakfast]

With other fish social dynamics, feeding, water quality consistency, temperature, and even lunar cycles all can have a role.

 

[CCUreef]

With other fish social dynamics, feeding, water quality consistency, temperature, and even lunar cycles all can have a role.

Well, other tankmates are a young porcupine puffer, antenatta lionfish, cleaner wrasse, flame angel, GS maroon clown, and ghost eel in a 90. Its a softy tank. Both eels have their own PVC under the sand that they stay in. Water params are good, eats raw shrimp, clams, and mysis every two days. Temp stays 78 and led lights are on 10 hrs and dark rest of time. Is there anything preventing him from changing? Does age not play a factor?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Age plays a factor, but by 3yrs that shouldn't be much of an issue any more. I would think the other eel would have more of a factor.

 

[Anarcha0s]

Hello CCUreef! im the guy from reddit that told you to post here!