I don't know if an Anemonefish left solitary in a tank retains its sexual identity or whether it assumes the female sexual identity, but it can definitely become very domineering in it's environment, even if it was previously the subservient male in its relationship. From what I have seen, the longer it remains the solitary Anemonefish, the more it may become an aggressive "hermit", preferring it's solitude to the companionship of another Anemonefish.
On the other hand, there is "Big Mama". She is a fat 5.5" Maroon Clownfish kept for almost 20 years by Fish Mama/Barbara here on the forum. Barbara also lives here in Murray, less than a mile away from me. Big Mama is very kind to the various mates she has had over the years, even when she has been moved from one tank to another. Maroon Clowns are some of the meanest of Anemonefish, yet Big Mama is quite gentle, allowing any new hand to invade her territory without serious incident.
An Anemonefish that was previously the male of a relationship, when placed in a
new tank with others, can become the dominant female and will spawn with
a chosen male. The only way we can truly tell male from female is when they spawn. I don't know if there is anything conclusive about a female Anemonefish that laid eggs, later spawning as a male. It's more that we observe subservience or dominance among them, which seems to be about strength of personality rather than whether the fish has been male or female.
This is what I have seen, but I am always interested to read of different/conflicting experiences from other hobbyists.
Aloha
Edited by Mark Peterson - May 04 2014 at 6:36am
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