Anyone keep Damsels?
- Thread starter Larah
- Start date
Larah
New member
Was thinking of getting a couple of yellow tail damsels as they are supposed to be the least territorial and least aggressive....
I know they are extremely hardy & easy to keep, that's not even a question...
Many many many people, in fact I believe it's the standard, cycle their tank with them...Though it is hotly debated...
Just wondered if anyone kept them for their own sake... Or are they just in the trade for cycling, feeding, as a throw away fish???
Thoughts?
I know they are extremely hardy & easy to keep, that's not even a question...
Many many many people, in fact I believe it's the standard, cycle their tank with them...Though it is hotly debated...Just wondered if anyone kept them for their own sake... Or are they just in the trade for cycling, feeding, as a throw away fish???
Thoughts?
michaeljames
New member
they are a great beginer fish, but as people progress into more extensive systems ie, reefs. they tend to find damsels for the most part are more trouble than there worth... it's heartbreaking to watch your $5 damsel kill your $90 angel or bully all your other livestock to death...
kremit2007
New member
I have used Damsels to cycle my tank as well but they all lives forever and were healthy as ca be. The yellow-tail blue damsels are SUPPOSED to be the least aggresive, however, my yellow-tail blue damselfish was the meanest, most aggressive fish I have ever cared for, saltwater or freshwater. She had a nickname that isn't appropriate for this forum, but use your imagination.
Other than that one, I really like damsels actually, I like their color, their body shapes, and their quick speed. I unfortunately added a snowflake eel to my tank before I switched to reed and he took care of every damsel in the middle of the night. I had the yellowtail, a black damsel with yellow on the inside of his tailfin, and a couple brown/tan striped ones. I have never had any problem with the other damsels being remotely aggressive, maybe territorial to their "spot" but thats all. Go for it
Other than that one, I really like damsels actually, I like their color, their body shapes, and their quick speed. I unfortunately added a snowflake eel to my tank before I switched to reed and he took care of every damsel in the middle of the night. I had the yellowtail, a black damsel with yellow on the inside of his tailfin, and a couple brown/tan striped ones. I have never had any problem with the other damsels being remotely aggressive, maybe territorial to their "spot" but thats all. Go for it
epstein
New member
I have 2 larger clowns that my damsels dont mess with then I added a green chromis and he was getting picked on until I added 2 more larger Chromis (larger than the yellow tail) They big guys stuck up for teh little guys. My 3 stripe bother No one.
To "tag along " on this thread i really like domino damsels.......Anyone had any luck with them or do they deserve the mean rap they get?.
To "tag along " on this thread i really like domino damsels.......Anyone had any luck with them or do they deserve the mean rap they get?.
robnuti
New member
I have a domino, he seems pretty passive. He was sucked in to a powerhead and got stuck. After all that we had warm spot for him and decided to keep him. I also keep a coral beauty and my damsels leave him alone. I think the size of your tank will determine how aggressive the damsels will be.
stingythingy45
New member
I have a yellow tail and a blue devil together along with a mated pair of False Perc's and a chromis in my 55 gallon.The blue will chase the yellow tail around once in a while.But other than that I think she's very well behaved.They just came out of hypo treatment where they were all in a 20L for 7 weeks.
They all even school together.lol
They all even school together.lol
FranktheTankTx
New member
Yea, I love damsels too! They are a very beautifully colored fish at an affordable price. I'm planning on putting one or two in my display refugium. I thought about doing a damsel only system. But I haven't completely decided yet. I've always loved them!
I think a tank full of yellow tail, blue and domino & zebra damsels would be really colorful and beautiful. Throw a big ol' tomato clown in for some red color. I think it would look nice!
If it didn't work out, you're only out $15-20.
I think a tank full of yellow tail, blue and domino & zebra damsels would be really colorful and beautiful. Throw a big ol' tomato clown in for some red color. I think it would look nice!
If it didn't work out, you're only out $15-20.
seafansar
Active member
Talbot Damsel
Talbot Damsel
I'm new to saltwater aquariums, but my talbot damsel gets along fine with my baby convict tang. For now they are in a relatively small tank together, but they don't seem to mind sharing the space. Actually the tang bosses the damsel around. The talbot is pretty cool. He's pink with a yellow head and a black dot on his back. Oh I did try and pick the damsel that was acting least aggressive of the bunch. There were two talbots that were bossing the others around, so I avoided getting them.
Talbot Damsel
I'm new to saltwater aquariums, but my talbot damsel gets along fine with my baby convict tang. For now they are in a relatively small tank together, but they don't seem to mind sharing the space. Actually the tang bosses the damsel around. The talbot is pretty cool. He's pink with a yellow head and a black dot on his back. Oh I did try and pick the damsel that was acting least aggressive of the bunch. There were two talbots that were bossing the others around, so I avoided getting them.
Larah
New member
Well yes and no.. You're also out the fish... I mean they are living creatures.. it's kinda a bummer if they chase each other around until they expire (die)... They will do this until there is only one dominant damsel left... it seems sort of torturous for the fish. I don't think a damsel only tank would work.... It would be cool though....
I was thinking of having one small guy myself.. I agree they are really quite pretty and bright and of course cheap.....
Aquarist007
New member
gee I am going to have to take the opposite opionion here.
If you plan on keeping damsels then that should be the only reef fish you keep.
Damsels can grow up to be bullies and it is difficult to catch them--I tried for 6 months to catch a zebra striped damsel--it bullies every new fish I try to introduce to the tank---and it simply won't allow clown fish in there at all.
Sorry to disagree with everyone else but it is keeping within the spirit of RC.
If you plan on keeping damsels then that should be the only reef fish you keep.
Damsels can grow up to be bullies and it is difficult to catch them--I tried for 6 months to catch a zebra striped damsel--it bullies every new fish I try to introduce to the tank---and it simply won't allow clown fish in there at all.
Sorry to disagree with everyone else but it is keeping within the spirit of RC.
Aquarist007
New member
I was wrong I think Frank basically agrees also: they would be great in their own tank among themselves.
Frank you just gave me a great idea for a spare tank--LOL. I was going to collect butterfly fish but damels are pretty and way less expensive.
and the tomato clown---that' about the only fish I know that can go up against a damsel and take it out.:smokin:
