Definition of Term

diandric

(English) Protogynous species with both juvenile females and (primary) males, where a certain percentage of females changes into (terminal) males are termed diandric, also: possessing two different types of males, a large, brightly-coloured and aggressive terminal phase (TP) and a smaller, drab and relatively non-aggressive initial phase (IP), e.g. in Thalassoma lunare (Labridae). The TP has priority access to food and spawning females. On the death or removal of a TP, the first-ranking IP becomes the next TP (after first checking the reef thoroughly to make sure the TP is gone). (See also: hermaphroditic, protogynous, monandric)

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