Re: [RML] hermaphroditic

bowluvr (bowluvr at email.msn.com)
Tue, 5 Sep 2000 00:21:38 -0700

Hi Gary

Long time, no type. :-)

> However I do agree with Peter, often people thing a male is really a
female,
> until the top dog dies, then they turn on their colors. No sense getting
> the crap beat out of you by putting your banner out. However I wouldn't
> discount them changing sex either. Most aquarists just aren't that
careful
> when observing their fish. I remember reading an article on "sneakers"
like
> Mach had talked about but I can't remember which species it was. Good
work
> if you can get it, the other poor guy has to stay there and guard the
eggs!

Cichlids of the genus Apistogramma do this, for just this reason. If
non-territory-holding males display their full colors, the resident males
will either chase them away or kill them, so these males display female
coloration. Apisto males can have several females in their territories, and
it is difficult for them to keep an eye on all of these girlies at once. The
little males in disguise gain access to females that they wouldn't otherwise
get if they "put their banners out," and can often sneak in and mate w/ a
ready female when the dominant male is occupied elsewhere.

Julie Zeppieri <><