Damsels? Good or bad idea

fishykid9212 · 01/22/2006, 12:01 PM

Hi right now I have a 92G corner tank, and I have a hippo tang, 2 clowns, and 2 damsels. I would like to put a few more damsels, but will I have problems with them fighting other fish?

avshockey311 · 01/22/2006, 12:18 PM

BAD idea. The damsels I had did nothing but cause trouble. And once they start causing trouble they are near impossible to catch.

MAreefer1 · 01/22/2006, 12:25 PM

YEOP I DISLIKE DAMSELS VERY MUCH!

I had three Damsels in my reef, and they are...NOTHIN BUT TROUBLE!

They attack other fish, corals, and inverts...when I tried to get it out of my tank, it took me a full 3 hours!

Damsels are nice cheap fish, but they belong in small FO, With no LR.

rjwilson37 · 01/22/2006, 01:06 PM

You might be lucky like me with two damsels and they won't cause any problems, but if you add any more, it could be big trouble. You can add Green Chromis/or Blue Reef Chromis type damsels if you want.

dattong · 01/22/2006, 01:16 PM

i always like damsels especially stripped and back dotted ones, but they are trouble makers thou

JENnKerry · 01/22/2006, 01:26 PM

I'm a firm believer that damsels won't really be aggressive if:

#1 you only keep one to a tank. This way they can't gang up on others

#2 you keep them in larger tanks to reduce the aggressiveness

I'm like RJ and have two in my 125 (yellow tail & Azure). They leave everyone alone. But of course they are two of the more docile ones you can get.

bawla47 · 01/22/2006, 01:31 PM

i have a yellow tail damsel thats been in my tank 8-9 months. havent seen any aggressiveness yet either. crossing fingers.

Pandora · 01/22/2006, 01:35 PM

Yellow tail damsels are really not aggressive at all; they are a joy to have around. It is really the blue devils (also have yellow tails, different shape) that most people refer to as bullies and troublemakers.

On your question though, if you already have 2 established ones, not usually a good idea to introduce more later. Newcomers commonly get beaten on.

sean48183 · 01/22/2006, 01:53 PM

It's the adding new ones where you might get a problem. I keep 4 damsels(4 stripe, big ole blue devil, yellow tail and a tomato) and they all are fine together minus a few occasional scrums. I however would not dare add any fish smaller or of similar shape to my tank. Not only for the damsels but my rusty angel is by far the meanest in my tank. If you really would like to add some move the rocks around. I did this when I added my last 2 and by the time all this fish were done being freaked out they didn't even notice the newcomers.

Shawnts106 · 01/22/2006, 01:57 PM

... do I even need to say anything

Damsels = @^%# = explosion!

DAMsels are called DAMsels for a reason... hahaha

ledford1 · 01/22/2006, 02:16 PM

Damsels are bad ideas! I'll never buy damsels again. I've had blue damsels, yellow damsels, and the three-stripe damsels. Not any more though.

They're too aggressive and eventually start picking on more peaceful fish. Then you have a heck of a time trying to catch the darn things to get them out of the tank.

Chromis are a good alternative to damsels, or just about any other small, active fish for that matter.

fishykid9212 · 01/22/2006, 02:17 PM

lol I have a yellow tail and a green chromis, I might try a few yellow tailed because they aren't doing any harm. It was the striped ones, they are a pain in the^&*^ they kiilled a queen angel within a day

but the yellow tailed, I have never had a problem same with the chromis

Pandora · 01/22/2006, 03:38 PM

Like with any fish, its tough to talk in generalities. As proof to that, I'd like to point out that chromis ARE a type of damsel, LOL. I've also yet to really meet anyone with a problem with yellow tails (not to be confused with yellow tailed blue devils).

Rock Anemone · 01/22/2006, 03:46 PM

Agreed with all of the above. I would love to have a school of Chromis in my tank but they tend to pick eachother off until a pair is formed, which leaves you with two fish rather than a school. It's a hit or miss though and some people have luck!

Rock Anemone

MIKE NY · 01/22/2006, 03:47 PM

I have a few in my tank with now problems except for the occational territory fight, but no real damage. I have a pair of humbugs, a female blue devil, a rollands, yellow tail and an azure. The trick is to add them together or two or three at a time so they can establish their territories.

scunan · 01/22/2006, 04:51 PM

I just found a damsel in my sump today and put him in my 150 gallon reef, I hope he gets along with my trigger lol

AllenFord_SC · 01/22/2006, 05:01 PM

If you did want to add more, rearrange the rocks a bit and add the fish while the lights are off. This will give them time to settle in and hide. Also try to make them about the same size as the other damsels. Personally I think a school of 3 - 5 chromis is a beautiful thing to watch.

know-it-all · 01/22/2006, 08:50 PM

they are really only are nasty to other fish the first couple days.
after that, they stop caring

right now, I've got 10 in a 72, and I'm looking into 5 more
3 big 'ole yellow's
3 blue's,
and 4 red honey's

Chappy · 01/22/2006, 09:49 PM

Damsels are great if you are cycling your tank. Hopefully they die so you don't have to catch them when the cycle is over. Or you just buy a big lion, let him eat, then catch him if you want to.

bhdmc · 01/23/2006, 04:58 PM

You bet you will. WWIII in your tank. The fun part really begins when you try to catch them to get rid of them. I like Chappy's idea of a Lion fish to get rid of them.

vest0830 · 01/23/2006, 05:18 PM

I agree with chappy. Damsels are a great beginner fish. Very heardy, and if your tank gets a little out of hand, most likely, the damsels wont be affected. (dont ask how I know)

-Great beginner fish, but after 6 months, mine are gone. They reeked havoc in the tank. Always messing with corals, digging holes in the sand, beeing bullies...

I do still have my small black and white stripped damsel, and it wouldn't hurt anything. He will stay in there.

mntl · 01/23/2006, 05:25 PM

Starckii (stark's) damsels are supposed to be less mean, the figi blue devils (blue devil with yellow tails and light stomaches) are spawns of you know who

regular yellow-tails are good, not too hard to acclimate into a community tank. I would recommend either yellow tails (all small and around the same size to begin with) or my personal favorites the Starkii's, you need to see them in person, they are definately one of the prettiest.

If you want a group it might be best to start with no damsels and introduce a small group all at one time, preferably bought from the same tank/shop.

But definately look into the Starkii's

--john

jmack · 01/23/2006, 05:25 PM

My pink skunk clown is MUCH more aggressive than the yellow tail damsel I have...he was chasing him around the tank yesterday.

know-it-all · 01/23/2006, 08:11 PM

just got 3 more,
(black-cap from Vanuatu)
but it is a damsel only tank

I would follow everone's advise against them unless your going for a damsel only tank

eleodes · 01/23/2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Damsels are great if you are cycling your tank. Hopefully they die so you don't have to catch them when the cycle is over. Or you just buy a big lion, let him eat, then catch him if you want to.

is this a joke?

01/22/2006, 12:25 PM	#3
MAreefer1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: MA Posts: 769	YEOP I DISLIKE DAMSELS VERY MUCH! I had three Damsels in my reef, and they are...NOTHIN BUT TROUBLE! They attack other fish, corals, and inverts...when I tried to get it out of my tank, it took me a full 3 hours! Damsels are nice cheap fish, but they belong in small FO, With no LR. __________________ BRS Current Tank Info: 75 gallons of SW,55 main 20 gallon fuge

01/22/2006, 01:06 PM	#4
rjwilson37 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: West Michigan Posts: 7,104	You might be lucky like me with two damsels and they won't cause any problems, but if you add any more, it could be big trouble. You can add Green Chromis/or Blue Reef Chromis type damsels if you want. __________________ Isn't life just wonderful. 29g Biocube Standard Pump Standard 72w PC Lighting Current Tank Info: 29g Biocube Reef Tank

01/22/2006, 01:26 PM	#6
JENnKerry Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jersey Posts: 7,384	I'm a firm believer that damsels won't really be aggressive if: #1 you only keep one to a tank. This way they can't gang up on others #2 you keep them in larger tanks to reduce the aggressiveness I'm like RJ and have two in my 125 (yellow tail & Azure). They leave everyone alone. But of course they are two of the more docile ones you can get. __________________ We Don't Have a Signature..... Current Tank Info: 125 Gallon Reef

01/22/2006, 01:35 PM	#8
Pandora Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Maryland near DC Posts: 1,706	Yellow tail damsels are really not aggressive at all; they are a joy to have around. It is really the blue devils (also have yellow tails, different shape) that most people refer to as bullies and troublemakers. On your question though, if you already have 2 established ones, not usually a good idea to introduce more later. Newcomers commonly get beaten on. __________________ Where are we going... And why am I in this handbasket? Current Tank Info: 75gal reef tank, 30 gal octopus tank, Other: 75gal planted Amazon tank

01/22/2006, 01:57 PM	#10
Shawnts106 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,436	... do I even need to say anything Damsels = @^%# = explosion! DAMsels are called DAMsels for a reason... hahaha __________________ Love yourself! NO MATTER WHAT! Current Tank Info: Currently out of the hobby

01/22/2006, 12:01 PM	#1
fishykid9212 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,470	Damsels? Good or bad idea Hi right now I have a 92G corner tank, and I have a hippo tang, 2 clowns, and 2 damsels. I would like to put a few more damsels, but will I have problems with them fighting other fish?

01/22/2006, 12:18 PM	#2
avshockey311 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nebraska Posts: 1,643	BAD idea. The damsels I had did nothing but cause trouble. And once they start causing trouble they are near impossible to catch. __________________ Surgeon General's WARNING: This hobby may be addictive, and has also been known to drain bank accounts. Current Tank Info: 90 AGA MegaFlow, 120 lbs. LR, RedSea Berlin skimmer, 20 gallon sump, 2 150W Metal Halide

01/22/2006, 01:16 PM	#5
dattong Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 690	i always like damsels especially stripped and back dotted ones, but they are trouble makers thou

01/22/2006, 01:31 PM	#7
bawla47 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: fort lauderdale, FL Posts: 2,190	i have a yellow tail damsel thats been in my tank 8-9 months. havent seen any aggressiveness yet either. crossing fingers.

01/22/2006, 01:53 PM	#9
sean48183 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 1,577	It's the adding new ones where you might get a problem. I keep 4 damsels(4 stripe, big ole blue devil, yellow tail and a tomato) and they all are fine together minus a few occasional scrums. I however would not dare add any fish smaller or of similar shape to my tank. Not only for the damsels but my rusty angel is by far the meanest in my tank. If you really would like to add some move the rocks around. I did this when I added my last 2 and by the time all this fish were done being freaked out they didn't even notice the newcomers.

01/22/2006, 02:16 PM	#11
ledford1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 2,241	Damsels are bad ideas! I'll never buy damsels again. I've had blue damsels, yellow damsels, and the three-stripe damsels. Not any more though. They're too aggressive and eventually start picking on more peaceful fish. Then you have a heck of a time trying to catch the darn things to get them out of the tank. Chromis are a good alternative to damsels, or just about any other small, active fish for that matter.

01/22/2006, 02:17 PM	#12
fishykid9212 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Southern NH Posts: 1,470	lol I have a yellow tail and a green chromis, I might try a few yellow tailed because they aren't doing any harm. It was the striped ones, they are a pain in the^&*^ they kiilled a queen angel within a day but the yellow tailed, I have never had a problem same with the chromis

01/22/2006, 03:38 PM	#13
Pandora Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Maryland near DC Posts: 1,706	Like with any fish, its tough to talk in generalities. As proof to that, I'd like to point out that chromis ARE a type of damsel, LOL. I've also yet to really meet anyone with a problem with yellow tails (not to be confused with yellow tailed blue devils). __________________ Where are we going... And why am I in this handbasket? Current Tank Info: 75gal reef tank, 30 gal octopus tank, Other: 75gal planted Amazon tank

01/22/2006, 03:46 PM	#14
Rock Anemone S.C.U.B.A. :) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: California Posts: 7,674	Agreed with all of the above. I would love to have a school of Chromis in my tank but they tend to pick eachother off until a pair is formed, which leaves you with two fish rather than a school. It's a hit or miss though and some people have luck! Rock Anemone __________________ Johnny Love Current Tank Info: <><

01/22/2006, 03:47 PM	#15
MIKE NY Two Decade club Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Franklin Square, N.Y. Posts: 4,381	I have a few in my tank with now problems except for the occational territory fight, but no real damage. I have a pair of humbugs, a female blue devil, a rollands, yellow tail and an azure. The trick is to add them together or two or three at a time so they can establish their territories. __________________ Proud LIRA Member February 2011 Manhattan Reefs TOTM Current Tank Info: 170 gal Reef, 20 gal frag/reef,90 gal fuge, 65 gal sump, 2-250 Radiums on Hamilton M80 HQIs, T5 actincs, Vertex in280 skimmer, MRC-2 Cal Reactor, Reeflo return pump

01/22/2006, 04:51 PM	#16
scunan Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 298	I just found a damsel in my sump today and put him in my 150 gallon reef, I hope he gets along with my trigger lol

01/22/2006, 05:01 PM	#17
AllenFord_SC Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ridgeland, SC Posts: 703	If you did want to add more, rearrange the rocks a bit and add the fish while the lights are off. This will give them time to settle in and hide. Also try to make them about the same size as the other damsels. Personally I think a school of 3 - 5 chromis is a beautiful thing to watch. __________________ We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl..... Roger Waters, Pink Floyd Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Mixed, 55 Gallon sump, 35 gallon fuge

01/22/2006, 08:50 PM	#18
know-it-all Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: in my now frozen chair (aka Wisconsin) Posts: 1,488	they are really only are nasty to other fish the first couple days. after that, they stop caring right now, I've got 10 in a 72, and I'm looking into 5 more 3 big 'ole yellow's 3 blue's, and 4 red honey's __________________ current tank 94 corner, SPS/LPS basement sump

01/22/2006, 09:49 PM	#19
Chappy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Grant, FL Posts: 315	Damsels are great if you are cycling your tank. Hopefully they die so you don't have to catch them when the cycle is over. Or you just buy a big lion, let him eat, then catch him if you want to. __________________ Chappy "No honey, I'm not playing online poker. Yes honey, I am looking up aquarium stuff. Yes honey, I'll come to bed now." Current Tank Info: 300 gallon Reef Savvy peninsula, AI Vega's, SPS, LPS

01/23/2006, 04:58 PM	#20
bhdmc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Posts: 956	You bet you will. WWIII in your tank. The fun part really begins when you try to catch them to get rid of them. I like Chappy's idea of a Lion fish to get rid of them.

01/23/2006, 05:18 PM	#21
vest0830 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Okinawa, Japan Posts: 1,299	I agree with chappy. Damsels are a great beginner fish. Very heardy, and if your tank gets a little out of hand, most likely, the damsels wont be affected. (dont ask how I know) -Great beginner fish, but after 6 months, mine are gone. They reeked havoc in the tank. Always messing with corals, digging holes in the sand, beeing bullies... I do still have my small black and white stripped damsel, and it wouldn't hurt anything. He will stay in there. __________________ 55g::Tunze::Lifereef::Ice Cap::Euroreef Current Tank Info: 100% all Okinawan life

01/23/2006, 05:25 PM	#22
mntl Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 526	Starckii (stark's) damsels are supposed to be less mean, the figi blue devils (blue devil with yellow tails and light stomaches) are spawns of you know who regular yellow-tails are good, not too hard to acclimate into a community tank. I would recommend either yellow tails (all small and around the same size to begin with) or my personal favorites the Starkii's, you need to see them in person, they are definately one of the prettiest. If you want a group it might be best to start with no damsels and introduce a small group all at one time, preferably bought from the same tank/shop. But definately look into the Starkii's --john __________________ minimalist

01/23/2006, 05:25 PM	#23
jmack Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NV Posts: 1,060	My pink skunk clown is MUCH more aggressive than the yellow tail damsel I have...he was chasing him around the tank yesterday.

01/23/2006, 08:11 PM	#24
know-it-all Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: in my now frozen chair (aka Wisconsin) Posts: 1,488	just got 3 more, (black-cap from Vanuatu) but it is a damsel only tank I would follow everone's advise against them unless your going for a damsel only tank __________________ current tank 94 corner, SPS/LPS basement sump