Best Damsels?

GoTakeANap · Jun 23, 2019

Hello everyone. What are some of my options for less aggressive damsels that will get along with other fish and not super territorial? Tank size is a 54 gallon corner.

Pbh-reef · Jun 23, 2019

Look into Talbots, azure, springers, yellowtail and starki. Basically stick to the Chrysiptera genus. Be careful - some all blue or mostly blue and yellow damsels are from other more aggressive genera. The azure, springers and Talbots have I think the best reputation for being peaceful. Get a small group and they will take a small territory in the rockwork and set up a hierarchy between each other. That way they will focus on one another and not as much on other fish.

saltyhog · Jun 23, 2019

I agree with @Pbh-reef. I have kept Azures with no problems. The only squabbles were among themselves and then only when one got close to another's hidey hole during feeding.

Silver14SS · Jun 23, 2019

I haven't had aggression issues with my trio of ORA lemon damsels. I added them, a pair of clowns, and a dottyback at the same time, that may have helped.

I assume captive bred will generally be less aggressive than wild but that may just be my anecdotal experience

mattzang · Jun 23, 2019

have you guys had any issues adding a damsel or two to an established damsel?

Silver14SS · Jun 23, 2019

mattzang said:
have you guys had any issues adding a damsel or two to an established damsel?

I've heard damsels prefer to be in odd number groups, might be something to consider when adding them. I think it's a risk adding any fish to an established hierarchy, if I was going to try it I'd definitely use an acclimation box.

eatbreakfast · Jun 24, 2019

The Chrysiptera species listed earlier are all great options.

@mattzang Adding small numbers of damsels to a large, established group likely won't go well for the new additions.

mort · Jun 24, 2019

I'd add Pomacentrus alleni to the list of peaceful damsels that do well in a group.

mattzang · Jun 24, 2019

eatbreakfast said:
The Chrysiptera species listed earlier are all great options.

@mattzang Adding small numbers of damsels to a large, established group likely won't go well for the new additions.

sorry i should've been more clear, what about adding a rolland and a talbot to a single springer? maybe a traceyi if i can find one

eatbreakfast · Jun 25, 2019

mattzang said:
sorry i should've been more clear, what about adding a rolland and a talbot to a single springer? maybe a traceyi if i can find one

That should be fine.

eyecandyaddict · Jun 25, 2019

Pomancentrus pavo is another one

LetItReef · Jun 25, 2019

Currently have 1 of this and not aggressive at all- Chrysiptera springeri.

SPR1968 · Jun 25, 2019

Pbh-reef said:
Look into Talbots, azure, springers, yellowtail and starki. Basically stick to the Chrysiptera genus. Be careful - some all blue or mostly blue and yellow damsels are from other more aggressive genera. The azure, springers and Talbots have I think the best reputation for being peaceful. Get a small group and they will take a small territory in the rockwork and set up a hierarchy between each other. That way they will focus on one another and not as much on other fish.

This is exactly what my 5 azure damsels do and they have serious attitude

They each have a small territory and guard it. It’s quiet funny to watch them ‘on station’ in their part of the tank.

It’s also funny watching them try and annoy a trigger fish or Tang! Lol