There should be close encounters with these fish during our trip. In hermaphroditic fish , sex is determined by social and physical factors. There are three families of fish we will see which are hermaphrodites. In general, the Scaridae have three color patterns which c hang e with age and sex . Mating is controlled by the terminal phase males who defend permanent territories with a harem of females.
Sneakers are small males which spawn with females in a terminal male's territory.
Streakers are small males which dash into a territory and spawn with a female just as the terminal male spawns. This pattern is also true for other hermaphroditic fish es. We will hopefully see some of these fish es and now have a greater understanding of there life and niche in the reef. Click HERE to return to the Research Menu.