Christmas Wrasse

Hey evolved, even though I messed up on my wrasse, I hope you'll answer my question. He usually has 2 spots on his fin and the other day I noticed they come and go. Is there any reason for that?

 

Which fin, and what do you mean by "spots"?

 

Sorry, my bad on the lack of details. Dorsal fin, one black spot is about in the middle of the body and I'd say diameter slightly smaller than a pea. The second is closer to the end of his body, still on the dorsal and slightly smaller than the spot in the middle. They are usually always there, just a couple times I've noticed them faded and almost can't see them. Just wondering if it was something they do or whatnot.

Thanks

 

I'm not with it today... I could have saved some typing if I just would have looked at my pictures. Doh.

 

Ah; those. Those are the "eye spots". They're always there (they don't come and go), but might not be all that visible if the dorsal fin isn't erect. A terminal male will eventually lose them with age, but a female will always keep them, and the one in the center will be quite prominent. Sub-males will lose the one at the posterior first, then later the one in the center.

They're called eye-spots or false eyes as they are used as a confusing defense to potential predators.

 

thank you evolved.

 

such a pretty fish zesty!

 

Thank you! I wish I had a better camera, this photo is trash compared to real life. This fish is a beauty. The green on his face almost glows a fluorescent green that just is too cool.

this is my favorite fish.

 

well, reading earlier in the thread, sounds like you should plan out an upgrade!

 

yeah... I agree. I hate hate hate the dimensions of my tank. Tall and skinny.

I want to be able to upgrade the tank, but not have to upgrade everything else. I just wish I would have bought a bigger skimmer, then I wouldn't have to worry about that. Everything else can handle a bigger tank, but I don't think my skimmer can.