Damsels

[supersmile]

What are your thoughts on blue damsels? Do you think they are generally aggressive and will pick on other fish. I have 2 clowns and was thinking about getting a blue damsel but some people said to stay away from this type of damsel?

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I had a blue damsel and it was a BEAST. Easily smaller than all the other fish, but easily the biggest bully. I've seen damsels in tanks holding their own against triggers, puffers, etc.

[supersmile]

Yeah I think I am going to stear clear of them!

[pandafishowner]

We have a blue damsel and a very small saddleback clown. We had the clown first, then added the damsel. The damsel picked on him at first, but now they swim a bit near each other.

[Joe Reefer]

I found that my female clown would pick on the damsel.

[surgeonfish]

I have 19 damsels in my tank (used them for starter fish) and they all get along o.k. now. However, I can't add any new fish because of the damsels. If you really want damsels I would recommend yellow tailed damsels. They stay small and are the least aggresive in my tank.

However, I have a three pair of damsels (domino, raticulated and ambon) that breed and lay eggs regularly.

[MikeP]

I had a blue damsel that was fine for the first few months but then started to pick on all the other fish. He was chasing fish and nipping fins. I removed him but unfortunately he stressed my coral beauty to death first.

[G1GY]

Damsels are the worst. The only damsels that I will ever keep are Starki Damsels. All the rest are monsters. :)

[ClubReef]

I agree with GIGY. Damsels are the devil..I had a Talbot and that sucker was suppose to be timid..not the case.

Say no to damsels.

[supersmile]

Thanks everyone I will stay clear of them!

[Raf]

yeah, for the most part they are very aggressive to their own and other smaller fish...and most definately any newcomers to the tank. Good for cycling but after that get rid of them, especially before you load your tank with rock.

IME, go for chromis, MUCH less aggressive and better looking too IMO...plus, when they school, it make the tank look very neat! :)

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I agree with going for Chromises (Chromi?!) They are pretty (I love the lime green colouration of mine), very active, friendly, etc.

[pianopro]

i got a domino damsel, green chromis, false percula, and a firefish in my 20 gallon and they are alll doing fine and not fighting.:razz:

[zulu_principle]

There is a good article in the New Coral Magazine, there is a very large number of Damsels that we do not see much of.

Good read.


Wendell