Clown ok with Damsel?

[mike1962]

So here's the situation:

I have a 28g tank that a yellow tail blue damsel and peppermint shrimp have shared for the last year. I have a Tomato Clown that is in another tank that needs to be broken down. Is it possible for the damsel and the clown to get along in the 28g tank together? At this point the clown is the same size as the damsel.

My suspicions are that this might not be a good mix, especially given the tank size and that the damsel is already established in the 28g. Still, I thought I'd ask the experts here to see what you all think.

 

[sk8boarder]

your suspicions are probably right. would not try it unless your trying to get rid of a clown

 

[Zaita]

I don't see there being too much problem with this. Clownfish are quite hardly and are damsels themselves afterall.

There will most likely be a little bit of aggression, but I'd say the clown could happily stick up for itself. That and yellow tail damsels don't seem to be overly aggressive as far as damsels go.

 

[seafansar]

Yeah I'd say a clown can stick up for itself. My friend's tomato clown killed a damsel she put in with it. I don't remember what kind of damsel, blue or domino I think. But it's getting along alright with a new domino damsel.

 

[ficklefins]

An established fish is one who will fight for its territory.

 

[mike1962]

Hmm, I'm getting a mix of feedback.

I tend to agree with ficklefins that the yellow tail blue damsel who has established the territory will fight for it. He's already a bit ornery with the peppermint shrimp at times, though surprisingly the shrimp tends to hold his own and they co-exist well for the most part. But a new fish, I'm just not sure. Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[Mike31154]

I started my 75 gal with a Blue Devil Damsel and a Maroon Clownfish about the same size, 2 inches maybe a little smaller. There was sufficient rock and space in the tank I suspect for them to coexist without too much aggression. It's worth a try provided there are sufficient hiding places, just be prepared to separate them again if things get out of hand.

 

[tmz]

I have a pair of tomato clowns and have had them for over 5 yrs. The female is very aggressive and bites me often drawing blood. Yes they can handle themselves. But two aggressive territorial fish, one of which is in it's territory sounds very risky. Perhaps if you took the damsel out for a few days and then put them both in at the same time you might have better luck.

 

[mike1962]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Mike, I could see how it could work in a 75g, but since my tank is only 28g I'm thinking that it would be too small. That, and that the yellow tail blue damsel is already in there, so he's defined his territory. I think I'm talking myself out of putting them together, but I'm going to have to figure out what to do with my clown. I'm open to other suggestions and opinions.

 

[mike1962]

Tom, we posted at the same time so I didn't see your post. Interesting idea about taking the damsel out for a few days. I have to think about that. Thanks.

 

[tmz]

Thanks, and good luck Michael

 

[Zaita]

YT Damsels are not aggressive as far as a Damsel goes. Sure they are territorial, but nothing like a 3-spot or Domino.

Of all the fish I've owned, the most aggressive has been our little male clownfish. Our Occ clown will bite you very readily and isn't afraid to fight (and win) against any fish. My lil B&W Occ male (like 1" long) would attack a Lunare Wrasse (6") with no issues.

I'd definitely rate a clownfish as more aggressive than a YT Damsel. I've actually found Dwarf Angels to be more aggressive than damsels.

 

[mike1962]

Zaita,

That's good to know. So do you think I should remove the YT Damsel for a bit and then put them both in the tank at the same time, or do you think that's not necessary. In observing both their behaviors I'd have to say that the clown appears more timid, but then again, it may do just fine. Do you think a 28g tank is too small for the both of them to coexist ?

 

[jdiddy8384]

I just resently bought 2 occ clowns just to watch them die in under 24hrs. My tank is only a 29g that has been set up for about 4 months. My first fish i bought were 2 domino damsels. One is good size now. I added a blenny and a goby no problem. I thought the clowns would do better than they did. Prenty of rock work to hide in to, but they just stayed out in the open. To make a long story short i wasted 30bux. Im thinkin of getting a yellow stripe maroon to show those damsels whats up. LOL!!

 

[Zaita]

Domino damsels are mean. I've had a 3-spot damsel living with 2 clowns and they would fight, but the clowns (Occ) always won.

ATM our RSM (30g) has 2 Clowns, Flame Angel, Allens Damsel, Lawnmower Blenny and a CBS. Most aggression is from Flame Angel by far.

I honestly don't think there will be too much problem adding the clown to the Damsel. If your concerned, remove the damsel for a few days prior and put them in together. Or remove the damsel and add the clown, put damsel back in after a few days.

29g is ample space for 1 clown + 1 damsel.

 

[gatorsfan]

Toms idea worked for me. I had the same dilemma I had cycled my tank with the "AAD" Teqnique--The ADD A DAMSEL Teqnique and when my cycle was over which was about 3 weeks I was ready to add my Occelaris Clown and when I did man did I have some problems so I took out the damsel and put it in my QT tank for a week. I then rearanged a couple of pieces of LR where the damsel would always hang around. I put the damsel back in and the aggression went away. A year later and still no problems. Hope this helps.

 

[mike1962]

Sounds good everyone. I think what I might do is try putting the clown in and see how it goes. If there is much aggression then I will remove the YT Damsel for a few days and return him and see how that goes. I'm busy for the weekend, so I will give this a try early next week and let you all know how it goes. Thanks again everyone.

 

[chevster]

no its not ok.. my maroon clown and my damsel fought and each got fin nips of each other..

learned a lesson from that.. ehehe..

 

[SlimDawg61]

When i origanally cycled my tank (55gal) i had a blue damsel. After 6 months i added a pair of perc. clownfish. My damsel hid for less then a day, but every since then he has been out with the clowns eating and swimming like the were the same species.(buddies) There hasn't been any fighting or chasing that i have seen. The damsel is about 1 1/2" and the clowns are about 2 1/2" I haven't had any problems, just lucky i guess.

 

[mike1962]

UPDATE

UPDATE

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I finally decided to put the clown in with the YT Damsel today. I watched them for an hour to see how things would go. It was very interesting. The good news is that the event so far has gone really well. After releasing the clown into the tank the damsel didn't quite know what to make of it. He hid in some rockwork and the clown went over to investigate. After about 5 minutes the damsel came out, and the sparring began. But it was mostly bluffing and feigning. They got really close to each other, side by side. Lined up head to head and then tail to head. A couple of apparent nips by both, but they were superficial and more show than true nips. This went on for about 20 minutes and the damsel, although irritated has conceded his space to the clown. The clown did not appear stressed at all, and appeared to feel like it was a no brainer for him. The damsel was more irritated and unhappy, but now after about 2 hours seems relegated to the idea that he can't have the whole tank to himself. I just put in some food, and they both ate, so it seems that this is going to work out just fine!