Changing a Lamarkii Angel

[ellebelle]

I have a female-ish Lamarki angel. I say female-ish because since I got it in March, it has had a yellow spot on its forehead, the beginnings of streamers on its tail, and slightly discontinuous stripes. I thought it had been caught in the midst of changing sex, but it has not reverted to the full female condition in the last months.

I want to force it all the way to the male condition. It's relatively large for the other females I've seen in stores - probably approaching 4-5 inches in length. I can force the change if I get another female - how big should that female be? And should I try to have her in hand for when I switch my tank to a larger one or does it even matter?

 

[Deanos]

I was under the impression that reaching a certain size triggers the change in Genicanthus females, unless there is already a male present.

 

[Deanos]

Genicanthus

Reefs.org

The Genus Genicanthus

 

[ellebelle]

I wonder if I have a male that has reverted BACK to his female coloring. :scratchch

 

[prattreef]

Got any pics oh Diva of the digital lens???

 

[ellebelle]

Looking at some of the other female pictures, I take back what I said about the discontiuous stripes. But there is a very distinct yellow dot on its forehead.

 

[prattreef]

That is a female. The yellow dot doesn't mean anything other than it is a mature female. I'll quote from Scott Michael later if you'd like.

 

[ellebelle]

Ok, no need to quote. I believe you.

 

[pecan2phat]

When my female changed, the tell tale signs were that her/his pelvic fins turned black vs the whitish on the females.
I don't think your female will change unless you have another "smaller" female in the tank.