Damsel species to keep in a group

[Ross33]

I've been battling ULNS in my 65g for awhile now, I just can't get the nitrates and phosphates to be detectable without dosing KNO3, which I don't like doing. I'm running 7 fish in it now and I'm considering either adding a group of damsels, or trying to go zeovit to get my nutriets to the right level.

Currently I have 2 true percs who breed regularly, 1 royal gramma, 1 six line, 1 midas blenny, 1 purple tang, and 1 flame angel. I anticipate that the flame and purple tang are not going to like any new additions.

I am thinking of adding around 5 damsels and would like some recommendations on what would get along without killing each other. I love princess (oscillate) and starckii but I don't know how well they would do in a group.

 

[carrots]

I think your tank is too small to add a group of damsels. Damsel are going to fight to protect territory and with the tank size they may not have enough space to have their own area which mean endless fighting and stress to all in the tank especially your Flame. If anything consider a small group of Blue/green chromis IMO.

 

[SoloChromis]

A relatively sociable, very cheap and oddly overlooked species to consider would be the turnate damsel or "lemon chromis" (Amblyglyphidodon ternatensis). I've also had good experiences with azures (just be SURE to add them all at once). I just added a 2nd Springer's damsel to my 60g cube since the original was beating up on everybody and had no plans on ever being captured, so I figured the 2 would be too busy bickering to bother others, and so far so good. I was sure to get one that was a bit bigger than the original, and they both tolerate each other now. Good luck :bum:

 

[saf1]

I can second the Azures. They are nice and I recently added 3, at the same time, to my 40 breeder. Ironically they have each carved out their respected areas of the tank which happen to be right side, middle, and left. Go figure. They do pair up from time to time and make it appear they school, but they don't really. You know? Could just be shacking up for the night - not sure. Anyway, they are all very healthy, full bodied. Eat very well but mostly brine and mysis shrimp. They don't eat pellets, even small ones. They really stand out in my tank.

I've also had a pair of Talbots in my 29 gallon biocube. As with the Azures, they are more of the calmer damsels and always got along.