The dazzling Alleni Damsel

[BlackTip]

I bought 16 Alleni Damsels and QT in 2 tanks. I ended up with 15. I have no idea where the missing one went. Since I got them, they were grey in color and nipping at each others like cats and dogs.

Last night, I moved them to the DT. They darted to the rocks and I didn't see them for the rest for the night.

Today, I came home from work to find them astonishingly blue and shoaling together....beautiful fishes

 

[inktomi]

Interesting that'd they behave so differently in the display. More hiding places? Temperary truce?

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[BlackTip]

Interesting that'd they behave so differently in the display. More hiding places? Temperary truce?

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I believe it has to do with the new environment and the presents of bigger fishes. They shoal together for protection. I don't expect the shoaling behaviour to last forever. I like watch them a lot.

 

[Moort82]

I had two for six months and they were constantly blue unless I'd fiddled with the tank/water change etc and then they had their muted colours. I added three more and the original two stayed bright and the others faded but as they have settled and now feel secure they all have the bright colours and form a group.
so I think alot has to do with mood and keeping them in a group in a natural environment brings the best out of them.

 

[eastlake]

If you haven't had them before prepare for them to dig. My male must have been an excavator in a former life as he's created some of the most impressive pits and under rock caverns that I've seen. I originally started with four and the dominant male ran the other two out of the tank so now I'm down to the male and his female and the spawn CONSTANTLY. That's a beautiful group of fish and no doubt they should keep you sufficiently entertained.

 

[BlackTip]

If you haven't had them before prepare for them to dig. My male must have been an excavator in a former life as he's created some of the most impressive pits and under rock caverns that I've seen. I originally started with four and the dominant male ran the other two out of the tank so now I'm down to the male and his female and the spawn CONSTANTLY. That's a beautiful group of fish and no doubt they should keep you sufficiently entertained.

I believe my rocks are solid. I hope they keep the sand turned; my top layer tends to stick together.

 

[Moort82]

Mine dig constantly as well but only in the areas they hang out.

 

[amc78cj7]

It's in their nature. Read: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blo...h-are-now-found-conspiring-against-corals-too

If you haven't had them before prepare for them to dig. My male must have been an excavator in a former life as he's created some of the most impressive pits and under rock caverns that I've seen. I originally started with four and the dominant male ran the other two out of the tank so now I'm down to the male and his female and the spawn CONSTANTLY. That's a beautiful group of fish and no doubt they should keep you sufficiently entertained.

 

[eastlake]

Interesting short article about damsels being algae farmers, not sure if that's the link you intended to post, but nice quick read none the less. I was more referencing the tendencies of this particular damsel to dig pits and caves for spawning as I've had several other species of damsels who, in their spawning activities, did not dig with the same passion or fervor but rather would clear spots on the rocks. How's the school settling in?

 

[Cliving1]

Really cool! Great pics and info above

 

[BlackTip]

Interesting short article about damsels being algae farmers, not sure if that's the link you intended to post, but nice quick read none the less. I was more referencing the tendencies of this particular damsel to dig pits and caves for spawning as I've had several other species of damsels who, in their spawning activities, did not dig with the same passion or fervor but rather would clear spots on the rocks. How's the school settling in?

They are more comfortable now. Spread around the tank, but congregate very quickly, when they sense any danger.

I noticed a couple were checking out a cave together, a third fish appeared but it were chased away quickly. I think males are trying to impress females.

Very very cool to watch

 

[eastlake]

They are more comfortable now. Spread around the tank, but congregate very quickly, when they sense any danger.

I noticed a couple were checking out a cave together, a third fish appeared but it were chased away quickly. I think males are trying to impress females.

Very very cool to watch

Sounds like that's exactly what they're doing, are the males changing colors and trying to lead the females in to their caves yet?

 

[BlackTip]

Sounds like that's exactly what they're doing, are the males changing colors and trying to lead the females in to their caves yet?

I observed one or two large males leading and protecting their caves. I don't see any digging yet. I am tempted to add 5-10 more.

 

[inktomi]

These sound like such neat fish. I went to live aquaria to see about adding a few and they're all gone. You made it in time

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[caribfan]

Great pics, any chance we could get a video to see the shoaling action?

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Those may be my favorite damsel. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Rilelen]

I love these and never knew about them before your post! Do you have any video of them in your tank?

 

[BlackTip]

They are great looking fish. They added so much color and action to the tank.

Sorry, but I don't do videos. I have one or two on my phone, but I never post anything online.

They come and go frequently at LA, I waited for them to become available.

 

[lionfish300]

How are the Alleni damsel doing?