Damsel - Should I do it?

[idrum]

Want to add a yellowtail blue damsel for the blue color to my 72g reef.

Currently have:

- Yellow tang
- Solarensis Wrasse
- Bartlett Anthias
- Perc Clown
- Blackcap Basslet

Everyone gets along great and no one is agressive. I really want the blue coloration and the damsel is small (in terms of bioload) - I'm worrying about him terrorizing the tank and upsetting the balance.

Anyone have any experience with added one of these little darlings as the last fish in the tank?

 

[Jeff Hood]

I love my Blue Yellow tail.
It does not bother anything in my tank and I have always kept one. I have a yellow tang and a yellow striped maroon clown. If anything the fish is timid around the other fish.

Jeff

 

[Circa]

I think it might be ok with an established tank, but alot of people regret putting the blue damsel in first. Its mutually your decision.

 

[davelin315]

I have 4 in my 125, and I think they're a great addition. They spar once in a while, but never anything serious (I also have 4 pacific blues, 2 are very tiny, smaller than the damsels, but no problems). My thoughts are go with 3 or more if your tank can handle it so they fight with each other, and not with anyone else.

 

[Colin Smith]

I have one in my 3 ft. 55 gallon (with just the yellow tail, not the yellow belly/tail). He has postured towards every fish added since, including a maroon clown twice his size, but hasn't really attacked anybody and calmed down within a day.

I think they're beautiful fish. Folks who see my tank are constantly amazed by him. I call him my "little purple tang".

--Colin

 

[Anonymous]

yellow tails are one of the least aggressive of the damsels. mine gets along great with my other inhabitants and only freaks out when my sally lightfoot goes into the yellowtail's "home".

 

[esmithiii]

I had one in my 55G and he was a terror to anything blue.

E

 

[jbf16falcon]

I would agree with putting more than one in your tank. They will keep each other occupied and the other inhabitants will be glad you did.

 

[jbf16falcon]

If anyone wants TERROR in the tank, I have just the guy looking for a new home 6 years ago when I was new to the hobby, the LFS delivered my 175 gallon tank, set it up, and then dumped 18 damsels in the tank and told me they would cycle the tank. 6 were blue damsels, 6 were white colored, and 6 were black with a white spot of the forehead and one white spot on each side (Dascyllus trimaculatus) one was a runt. Within days a killing spree was underway. Six years later only three of that original group are left, one blue, 1 white one that hides all the time and the runt black one. The black one now measures about 8" in length and reins terror over everyone except a Gold Rimmed Tang. He steals food from the anemones instead of feeding them. I'd be happy to give him away. I only keep him now to remind me that what you see is not always what you get in the long run. I will have to make a decision soon on his future. Exile, or relocation. Fight impulse buying and research your purchases well for the sake of current inhabitants of your tank. Harder said than done. Mine feel like they are being ruled by the Taliban :-( .

 

[Anonymous]

How about a group of blue or green chromis's.They would look great in a small school AND they are not agressive.That add the most aggressive rule does not always pan out.You may buy a terror and not know it until you get it home.Get 4-6 six chromis's and you should not be disappointed.

GL

Dan

 

[petpoor]

I have 10 in my reef, love em cheap,add lots of color and always active.
Tom

 

[Anonymous]

Another damsel to avoid is the Jewel damsel. Looks great as a juvenile, but grows fast. They become a terror as they grow. They get to about 8" and lose the cool spots.
Now that my Jewel is picking on everything in my tank, I have to get rid of it.

 

[cubera]

I love damsel fish and keep a couple at least in every tank.