Frequently Asked Questions
Can fishes change sex?
An initial phase Yellowfin Parrotfish at a depth of 12m, Ribbon Reef #10, Great Barrier Reef off Lizard Island, Queensland, December 2001. View larger image. View fact sheet for this species.
A terminal phase Yellowfin Parrotfish at a depth of 14m, Wheeler Reef, Great Barrier Reef off Townsville, Queensland, November 2001. View larger image.
Some species of fishes such as sharks and rays are born one sex and stay that sex throughout life.
For others, such and the wrasses (Family Labridae) and parrotfishes (Family Scaridae) sex reversal is the norm.
For species that change sex there may be up to three colour phases. The first is a juvenile phase colouration shown by immature fishes. As a juvenile fish grows it develops the initial phase (IP) colouration. This may resemble the juvenile phase colouration or be quite distinct. The IP colouration is usually drab, comprising mostly grey, brown and red.
IP individuals are usually female but IP males do exist in some species. These IP male fishes are known as primary phase males. They look identical to females.
IP fish may then develop terminal phase (TP) colouration. All TP individuals are males. When a male fish becomes a TP individual it undergoes a change of colour.
A female that changes into a TP fish undergoes not only a change of colour but also a change of sex.
Further reading
- Choat, J.H. & Bellwood, D.R. in Paxton, J.R. & W.N. Eschmeyer (Eds). 1994. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Sydney: New South Wales University Press; San Diego: Academic Press [1995]. Pp. 240.
