Normal Behavior?

[SaltSolutions1]

I have a Blue Azure Damselfish and a Purple Dottyback in my 10g rimless.

I added them both at the same time on Monday to try and reduce the risk of one killing off the other.

The first day, neither one left the cave they claimed.

Day 2: The Blue Azure Damselfish is bullying the dottyback all day. It chases the Dottyback in and out of caves all day long and is constantly wiggling it's body around all over the place kicking up sand everywhere.

Day 3(Today): Same as Day 2 except it seems like the dottyback gave up on caves and is just consistently hiding out anywhere it can.

Any suggestions?

 

[samdaman]

I have a Blue Azure Damselfish and a Purple Dottyback in my 10g rimless.

I added them both at the same time on Monday to try and reduce the risk of one killing off the other.

The first day, neither one left the cave they claimed.

Day 2: The Blue Azure Damselfish is bullying the dottyback all day. It chases the Dottyback in and out of caves all day long and is constantly wiggling it's body around all over the place kicking up sand everywhere.

Day 3(Today): Same as Day 2 except it seems like the dottyback gave up on caves and is just consistently hiding out anywhere it can.

Any suggestions?

I would get rid of the damsel. They wont stop

 

[SaltSolutions1]

I like the damsel better than I like the dottyback. If I remove the dottyback will the damselfish stop decorating the tank with sand. Is the sand wiggling thing simply a showoff thing because he has another fish in the tank?

 

[samdaman]

I like the damsel better than I like the dottyback. If I remove the dottyback will the damselfish stop decorating the tank with sand. Is the sand wiggling thing simply a showoff thing because he has another fish in the tank?

Nope, The damsel will keep doing sand storms, moving stuff, Throwing sand up in the water column is a damsel thing. Most do it. I have a 4" blue velvet does this all the time everytime.

 

[SaltSolutions1]

Well, I tried to get either one I could get out but it's impossible to grab either one without destroying the whole aquascape, so it's survival of the fittest at this point. I'm gonna end up with just a damsel in just a couple days I think.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Well, I tried to get either one I could get out but it's impossible to grab either one without destroying the whole aquascape, so it's survival of the fittest at this point. I'm gonna end up with just a damsel in just a couple days I think.

Please don't do that. It's such a small tank, it would be so easy to remove the rocks to a bucket then catch whichever fish you plan on getting rid of.

Not trying to be harsh here, but purchasing two fish with known aggression issues, and placing them together in such a small tank is poor husbandry. Then to just let them fight it out to the death is just downright cruel.

Sorry, things like this bother me.

 

[snorvich]

Of course those two fish in a ten gallon tank shows total lack of research and disregard for the fish. It bothers me too.

 

[klwheat]

Please don't do that. It's such a small tank, it would be so easy to remove the rocks to a bucket then catch whichever fish you plan on getting rid of.

Not trying to be harsh here, but purchasing two fish with known aggression issues, and placing them together in such a small tank is poor husbandry. Then to just let them fight it out to the death is just downright cruel.

Sorry, things like this bother me.

+1
These wonderful, beautiful creatures aren't just "decorations". When we choose to keep them in an unnatural environment (like our houses) we must choose to take responsibility for their care as well.

 

[SaltSolutions1]

Whatever people. Many people are successful with keeping these two in a 10g.

I've been doing reef tanks for years. And I've been a member for almost 3.

Good luck to you and happy reefing. When the blue azure damsel kills the purple dottyback I'll be sure to take a picture of it while I flush it down the toilet and send it to each of you by PM so you can cry about it.

Give me a break people.

 

[LisaD]

If you already decided to let one kill the other at the time you posted, why on earth did you ask for suggestions?

The most reasonable suggestion, as previously posted by several people, is to remove some rock, and move a fish out. Give it away or give it to the LFS.

You could also try separating the fish, then re-aquascaping, introducing the dottyback to the tank before the damsel, since it is the less aggressive. You'd have to make sure there was plenty of cover and hides. Would be more likely to work in a 25 or 29, though.

With all your experience and posts, I'm surprised that you're surprised at the responses.

 

[mallorieGgator]

If you were so knowledgable about reef tanks, then why did you even have to ask this question?

 

[Toddrtrex]

Whatever people. Many people are successful with keeping these two in a 10g.

I've been doing reef tanks for years. And I've been a member for almost 3.

Good luck to you and happy reefing. When the blue azure damsel kills the purple dottyback I'll be sure to take a picture of it while I flush it down the toilet and send it to each of you by PM so you can cry about it.

Give me a break people.

I suggest that you don't continue with posts like this.

 

[DgenR8]

Some people only ask for advice in the hopes that they'll find someone that says what they want to hear. I commend those that offered good advice in spite of the fact that it is probably not going to be followed. As for this thread, it can't possibly go anywhere but downhill from here. Maybe the next person that reads it will actually learn something about husbandry.
Thread closed.