How long until fish reach full color?

[Joybird]

I bought my daughter a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse for our tank, and ordered a male juvenile. I was a little skeptical of its sex even when we received it, but it's been in there about three months now and its color hasn't changed at all. I'm thinking I got screwed here, but before I start trouble with the seller, I want to be sure that it's not just a matter of not waiting long enough for it to reach full color.

 

[jay0705]

Color is tricky. I spent double on mine bc it was more colorful. Sex had nothing to do with it. Origin of collection and just genetics are what dictates it

 

[lmforbis]

Age is also a factor. Many don't get full color until they are adults. With some fish, I believe flasher wrasses are in this group, the males get their best color when there is a female around.

 

[florida joe]

Your fish may not "color up" because of stress/sickness different light sources, and or different food intakes