reefgoddess808
New member
Just wondering if adding damsels to an exisisting system would cut down on aggression. Anyone ever tried it this way? I was wanting to add some small bits of color, thinking damsels or chromis.
Adding damsels to an established tank
- Thread starter reefgoddess808
- Start date
What aggression are you trying to cut down? Damsels are belligerent little buggers, and they will always have some aggression with them. I personally was attacked by a 3" damsel while snorkeling. :lol: So, I don't see any way of removing aggression from damsels, they come by it naturally.
gone fishin
New member
Given the two options I would go with a chromis over a damsel. What fish do you have already? Sometimes removing a certain fish will curb agession in a tank.
BTW is there video of the damsel attack
BTW is there video of the damsel attack
No. :lol:
I was snorkling in very shallow water with coral all around me. I felt a sharp hit on my side, but couldn't turn to see what it was because of the coral around me. I began to back up and got hit again. When I finally got clear of the coral and turned around, there was a 3" damsel glaring at me with a lot of attitude, and seemed to say get the heck out of my territory. It was very funny.
I was snorkling in very shallow water with coral all around me. I felt a sharp hit on my side, but couldn't turn to see what it was because of the coral around me. I began to back up and got hit again. When I finally got clear of the coral and turned around, there was a 3" damsel glaring at me with a lot of attitude, and seemed to say get the heck out of my territory. It was very funny.
reefgoddess808
New member
I have a most peaceful tank. An ocellaris clown, coral beauty, toby puffer and a sailfin blenny. Also a small CUC all snail with one hermit crab. Really just doing some research, I may not add anything for quite some time. Would like to have a few of the same fish that will stay small. Since a lot of people use damsels to cycle I thought maybe if they were added laast they would be less agressive. Just a thought. As far as chromis I was looking at the black bar, says peaceful at L.A. and they stay about 2" so that may be what I ultimately go with. Only apprehension there is that is also states they should be kept in a larger group than I had intended for, 6-7. I am wanting a group of about 3-5.
gone fishin
New member
:lolspin: for some reason I got the Jaws theme in my head now.
reefgoddess808
New member
I have a 5 lb chihuahua so I can see how a tiny fish would get the cojones to attack divers! LOL
gone fishin
New member
FWIW I have never had any luck keeping any type of chromis in a group. I usually end up with one or two. The last time I tried I put 9 in my 180 after a few months I was down to 2. IMO they do not need a group.
reefgoddess808
New member
So really what small fish can be kept long term in a group?
Maybe try a group of royal grammas. They are relatively peaceful, packed with color, and not too expensive. I put 6 in my tank, and when they were all out it is impressive. Sadly, I lost 4 within the first month, and only have 2 left. But they are still very cool.
Damsels and chromis (which are damsels by the way) tend to kill each other off til you are down to 1 or 2.
It is tough getting groups of fish in salt water it seems. Anthias are an exception, and are another good choice.
Damsels and chromis (which are damsels by the way) tend to kill each other off til you are down to 1 or 2.
It is tough getting groups of fish in salt water it seems. Anthias are an exception, and are another good choice.
Anim8me2
Member
Aren't grammas basslets and not good in groups? I always thought that basslets tended to be aggressive towards one another.
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That is what I had heard for many many years. But recently I had heard of people keeping them in groups successfully. I tried with six, but as I said, am now down to 2. The two that I have always hang out together. I have seen them battle occasionally, but not lately. I think they like each other now.
I think Pete has 6 together in his tank.(SDGuy)
I think Pete has 6 together in his tank.(SDGuy)
SushiGirl
Premium Member
The guy that got me into this hobby went diving in Hawaii with a friend. His friend chased a domino damsel & it came back with a group of friends and started attacking him only where his wetsuit wasn't :lmao:. They continued their dive & when they came back through at the end, the group attacked him again.
It's very hard to find a group of fish that will stay a group in this hobby, especially in your size tank. About all you could go with are orange lined or red spot cardinals (hard to find red spots), and they're so tiny you might have issues with a couple of your other fish.
Pete has 5:
Sounds like what mine do, especially in the "crevasse"...
gone fishin
New member
Just keep in mind the size of Ken and Pete's tanks before attempting. What will work in theirs may not work out so well in a 55.
RayL
New member
I tried a group of 10 blue/green chomis and with in a couple of months I only had 1 left.
Another nice fish i tried and so far has been going well is chalk basslets, I got 3 of them and they are doing great together. Its been a few months and no aggression towards each other, just a lot of peaceful swimming together
Another nice fish i tried and so far has been going well is chalk basslets, I got 3 of them and they are doing great together. Its been a few months and no aggression towards each other, just a lot of peaceful swimming together
reefgoddess808
New member
Yeah...so Im thinking a group may not be possible. That is ok. I had a gramma when I first started my tank and sadly learned the hard way what "tight fitting lid" means 
I would like have one again. So maybe Ill just continue with single specimens. It seems to be the best long term. I dont want to add a group of fish just to have them gladiator it out in my tank!
I would like have one again. So maybe Ill just continue with single specimens. It seems to be the best long term. I dont want to add a group of fish just to have them gladiator it out in my tank!
Fretfreak13
I am not a boy!
There are some really pretty cardinals out there besides the traditional PJ and Bangaii. Flame cardinals or yellow stripe cardinals are my favorites!
Jerry W
Active member
IMO/IME, adding a small yellow tail blue damsel to your existing tank would not pose a problem. I find them to be a bit more peaceful than most, and added last they tend to not be as pushy. I recently added one to my 37 and it has stayed pretty much reclusive. The clowns and pygmy angel take no crap from it and keep it in it's place. I've always had these fish in my tanks and they are tough to beat for a splash of color.
