Blue damsel in a 42g?

[brett559]

Based on past inquiry, many knowledgeable reefers really like blue damsels:
http://reefcentral.com/forums//showthread.php?t=2495606

Seems like tank size plays a big part, as well as stocking order. The damsel would be added last (my last fish). Tankmates include clowns, anthias, mystery wrasse, flame hawk and royal gramma.

I miss my blue tang. The tank needs some blue. But if it's a terrible idea, it's a terrible idea.

My LFS generally stocks the Azure damsels:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+28+108&pcatid=108

What say you?

 

[SoloChromis]

Added last in a community containing the fish you listed, a blue damsel should make a fine addition. I currently have a male (orangetail) blue damsel as the only fish in my 20g with a peacock mantis, and everyone that sees my tanks is amazed by his striking coloration. I also have a "true" (solid blue) Springer's damsel in my 60g reef, and he's a beautiful fish for sure, stays a bit smaller than the typical blues and is more peaceful IME. The azures are great fish as well, I had one for quite some time, and my aunt has one in her 90g, and he's proven to be model citizen. I love damsels and they certainly don't deserve the bad rap they have in this hobby :fish1:

 

[brett559]

Thanks, Solo. I was hoping you'd chime in.....:thumbsup:

 

[leetch]

Added last in a community containing the fish you listed, a blue damsel should make a fine addition. I currently have a male (orangetail) blue damsel as the only fish in my 20g with a peacock mantis, and everyone that sees my tanks is amazed by his striking coloration. I also have a "true" (solid blue) Springer's damsel in my 60g reef, and he's a beautiful fish for sure, stays a bit smaller than the typical blues and is more peaceful IME. The azures are great fish as well, I had one for quite some time, and my aunt has one in her 90g, and he's proven to be model citizen. I love damsels and they certainly don't deserve the bad rap they have in this hobby :fish1:

The key here is "added last". The problem you will run into with a damsel is if you lose a fish and decide to bring a replacement into the community. If the damsel is established, you will likely have a war on your hands - and it's pretty much a one-sided war.

The way to combat that is to re-arrange the tank to make it feel new to everyone (especially the damsel) so everyone has to re-acclimate and set up their new home.

I've had success with damsels but have removed them since due to their aggression. They are beautiful but I am not a fan of their behavior.

 

[SoloChromis]

Thanks, Solo. I was hoping you'd chime in.....:thumbsup:

All in a days work. The damsel avenger/apologist's work is never done :bum:

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Well, you can go ahead and get one and see for yourself why they get a bad rap. In my dealings the blues were less aggressive than the striped or dominos.

 

[jaa1456]

I wouldn't add a mystery wrasse into a 42 with those tank mates. Not sure on what kind of anthias you are looking to add. I had a mystery in a 65 and it became a nightmare towards my smaller fish.

 

[zooman72]

I love damsels and they certainly don't deserve the bad rap they have in this hobby :fish1:

Amen, although one must add that every aquarist should take into account the multiple factors that come into play with any fish, including territoriality that may result...:reading:

:deadhorse1:

All in a days work. The damsel avenger/apologist's work is never done :bum:

:thumbsup: I have damsels in four of the five tanks I have at home (group of six grammas in the other with a pair of pygmy angels), and they have been in residence for quite some time, with species to include: Fiji blue (pair), azure, Talbot's, yellowtail, 4-striped, yellow dominos (trio), Stark's, lemon, and sapphire. That is in addition to the clowns found with them - tomatoes, occellaris, pink skunks and Allard's.

An acclimation box (I use the CPR small one) can work wonders to aid in the introduction of new specimens to any aquarium...:spin1:

 

[bat21]

I got rid of the Yellowtail I had because he was not cool. And I also really wanted some blue back in the tank. So I got a pair of neon blue gobies. Not quite as blue but it is enough to satisfy my blue craving.