Damsel and Chromis Lifespan Survey

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

It’s a well-known fact that Clownfish, being relatives of Damsels and Chromis, are very long-lived, easily making it over a decade and even over two decades (has anyone kept theirs for 30+ years?). However, I don’t see the lifespans of their relatives, the Damsels and Chromis being discussed nearly as much. If any of you have kept / are keeping non-Clownfish damsels and / or Chromis, I would love to know how long these guys live for you.

1. What species is it / was it?

2. Size at time of purchase?

3. How long did it live / has it lived for you? (If dead, how did it die?)

4. Any tips / secrets for keeping them long term?

Thanks.

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
It’s a well-known fact that Clownfish, being relatives of Damsels and Chromis, are very long-lived, easily making it over a decade and even over two decades (has anyone kept theirs for 30+ years?). However, I don’t see the lifespans of their relatives, the Damsels and Chromis being discussed nearly as much. If any of you have kept / are keeping non-Clownfish damsels and / or Chromis, I would love to know how long these guys live for you.

1. What species is it / was it?

2. Size at time of purchase?

3. How long did it live / has it lived for you? (If dead, how did it die?)

4. Any tips / secrets for keeping them long term?

Thanks.

I’ve kept chromis and many other types of damsels. So I won’t get into the species. Damsels always outlived my tanks when I had to break them down. More than 2 years. My current chromis were an inch when I first got them nearly 2 years ago. Closer to a year and a half maybe. As with any fish, plenty of hiding spaces, quality water and a quality diet.

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

How big is your tank? Do you live in an apartment (if so on what floor?). I like how yours are still schooling together and not killing each other off as many have experienced.

I personally want to keep most of my fish (including Damsels, I’m going for Chrysiptera) for over a decade, Clownfish I’d be aiming for two decades plus. Not sure if that’s being too idealistic haha.

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
How big is your tank? Do you live in an apartment (if so on what floor?). I like how yours are still schooling together and not killing each other off as many have experienced.

I personally want to keep most of my fish (including Damsels, I’m going for Chrysiptera) for over a decade, Clownfish I’d be aiming for two decades plus. Not sure if that’s being too idealistic haha.

Tank is 130 gallons (including sump) I forget how big the display is. I had 4 chromis in a 40 gallon previously. And yes I do live in an apartment. I’m really pushing it with this tank. Here’s a pic of the old home the chromis lived in happily.

I tend to think that keeping enough other fish forces the chromis to stay together.

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

Might just do the same with PJ Cardinals. Gonna throw in some semi aggressive fish to make them school together. 130 gallons is a pretty awesome tank for an apartment. I originally wanted to go 180 for my apartment (hah!) but then downgraded to a 70.

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

I’d honestly be surprised if Damsels and Chromis don’t regularly live for over 10 years considering their relatives are the very long-lived Clowns.

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
I’d honestly be surprised if Damsels and Chromis don’t regularly live for over 10 years considering their relatives are the very long-lived Clowns.

I’m really not sure how long they live in a home aquarium. But I’m sure my son would cry if one died ;Hilarious

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

What’s the longest you’ve kept a fish for?

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
What’s the longest you’ve kept a fish for?

Maybe 2 years? Seems after 2 years I end up moving or something happens. But I know lots of people that have kept fish for years and years. The #reefsquad team can probably chime in.

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

I see. You don’t move your tanks with you?

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
I see. You don’t move your tanks with you?

There’s always a reason why I have to eventually break it down when moving. I’d love to take my tanks with me and I have. But sometimes moving to a different city or country makes it hard.

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

Yeah

I understand. My LFS is right across the border in the mainland (but on a side note I am pro-HK) and they said they can temporarily hold my livestock for me if I move house. That’s pretty nice of them.

I’d hate to lose fish that have spent years with me only to give them away.

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
Yeah I understand. My LFS is right across the border in the mainland (but on a side note I am pro-HK) and they said they can temporarily hold my livestock for me if I move house. That’s pretty nice of them.

I’d hate to lose fish that have spent years with me only to give them away.

Sadly you can’t take fish across the border, which is a shame. Fish in HK are so cheap

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

They’re also pretty cheap right across the border but yeah, we have a smaller selection of fish overall than in HK.

Sad because I’ve been thinking about buying fish I can’t find in the mainland in HK. Looks like I’ll have to make do.

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

Would love to hear more responses on how long your Damsels and Chromis live!

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
They’re also pretty cheap right across the border but yeah, we have a smaller selection of fish overall than in HK. Sad because I’ve been thinking about buying fish I can’t find in the mainland in HK. Looks like I’ll have to make do.

魚宮頤珊 | SEALIFE Hong Kong Limited

These guys bring in the best variety of fish. Click on “new arrival” on the right. Lots of rare fish from all over for cheap.

Zionas · Sep 17, 2020

Thanks! Do they ship to the mainland though?

ScottR · Sep 17, 2020

Zionas said:
Thanks! Do they ship to the mainland though?

Are you in Shenzhen? I don’t think they ship. Not sure though. You could possibly contact them on their site and ask. There are some legality issues and probably need a CITES permit.