Yellow tail Damsels

[Jorgens]

I wanted to add about 5-7 of these to my 180 and wanted to get some input first. I've read that they are the least agressive Damsels and could be added in numbers to larger tanks. I currently have a hippo tang, kole tang, a pair of clarki clowns, a firefish and scooter blenny. I have a blonde naso coming in tomorrow as he was out of stock when i ordered the other 2 tangs. I'm hoping i don't have a tang issue and thought the addition of a few damsels might help curb any potential problems the addition of the naso might cause. I don't want an aggressive tank but have LOTS of rock work with tons of hiding places and thought a small group may add some spark.

Thoughts???

Thanks..

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

I have a 180 and wanted a small group as well, I love the look of these fish and this genus is one of the mellowest damselfish groups. I added a total of seven and as their numbers diminished I added a few more (probably about 10 in total) and I eventually ended up with a pair as their numbers diminished. I never saw any overt aggression but fish would dissapear or die until there were two left. I have experienced the same thing with cromis, every group I have tried has ended up as a pair. My damsels have not been aggressive to even my passive fish unless a fish gets too close to the females nest (she is with eggs nearly non stop), but the female absolutely destroyed a group of Talbot's damsels I tried to add. IMO the Talbots are even more mellow than the yellowtails, you might be able to keep a larger group of these.

 

[eskymick]

In my experience with these beauties, you can have three (maybe four) in a 180 gallon tank. In very short order, they will establish separate territories dividing the available space into thirds (or maybe fourths). You may even find that a pair will form a very loose association with each other while still retaining their separate territories.

Granted, these are generally not aggressive damsels (to other fish), but they don't seem to like to be too close to each other.

 

[Jorgens]

I was hoping to add a little more spark in the tank with out the tank turning hostile. I read somewhere that they do best in groups of 5 to 7 if you have a tank large enough for that which I do. But I certainly don't want them snapping at my other fishes yet. My tangs are still small as are the clowns. I appreciate the input!!!