Damsel question

[jesspal]

I have a 35.2 Waterbox AIO with the following inhabitants:

Bangai Cardinalfish
Starry Blenny
Royal Gramma
Red-tail firefish

I love the look of the azure damselfish and would like to know if it would display unrelenting aggression to the other fish?

I have a feeling that it's a bad idea, simply because I'm asking.

TIA

 

[Ludders]

I would probably steer you towards a yellow tail damsel, I believe they are less aggressive than the azures.

 

[jesspal]

I would probably steer you towards a yellow tail damsel, I believe they are less aggressive than the azures.

I've had these in the past as well, they weren't that bad. Maybe I'll go with one of these instead.

 

[Zionas]

You could maybe even do a pair, but that’s me.

 

[excell007]

I just relocated 4 damsels because they are picking on the new corals. They are on the DT for more than 2 years, they chase other fishes, but they can always run and hide. I left one on my DT, blue damsel, cause this one is actually one of the fishes being bullied by the 4. the ones I relocated were 4-stripes and blue velvet.

 

[Zionas]

They’re the most aggressive among all damsels, especially the Blue Velvet.

 

[jesspal]

They’re the most aggressive among all damsels, especially the Blue Velvet.

Oh not the azure though?

 

[tripdad]

The "real" yellow tail would be less aggressive. Be careful as these species are cross/mis identified all the time. Another alternative would be a black axil chromis. I have found them less aggressive but they are not deep blue, more aqua with black highlights

 

[Zionas]

No Azures are considered among the most peaceful.

 

[Fish_Sticks]

Azure and yellow tails, I've had them for 6ish years, and, while they can be 'aggressive', it's mostly due to fish wandering into their territory.

It will claim a few nooks and crannies- about a square foot of tank floor space. Small and passive free swimming fish will mostly be chased and told to avoid said area, but they will not nip or kill any of your fish... UNLESS you have multiple damsels claiming each their own square foot.

Then your free swimmers will constantly be chased away wherever they go, and then the nipping and stress will become too much.

Fish, such as, coral beauties, royal grammas, tangs, big female clowns, lawn mower blends, gobbies, and a lot of wrasses will be able to persuade the damsels to share territory, but only after a few days of 'aggressive negotiations' aka lots of showing off and chasing, but not really much violence.

A few damsels in any tank, are a wonderful addition, and very entertaining to watch. But the above advice must be understood.

 

[Rickybobby]

I have an azure damsel. He is a model citizen I’m so glad I found one at the lfs. He’s amazing in colour does a great job fertilizing my frag tank. Now a striped damsel I have one. Total prick. But azures are one of the more friendly damsels for sure. Good luck

 

[mort]

An azure is a good option as it's one of the least aggressive damsels there is. They tend to do best with tankmates that can stick up for themselves a bit. You would be unlucky to get a nasty one but it does happen, so have a backup plan.

 

[ca1ore]

Generally the chrysiptera damsels are good community fish. Does depend a bit on size of tank and tankmates. I have close to 60, but my tank is huge and I have a lot of more aggressive fish. Damsels set up and will defend their individual micro-territories. Mostly they just bicker amongst themselves. Three stripes, dominos, etc., should be avoided.

 

[Zionas]

How much of a territory should be allocated per Chrysiptera?

I heard it’s something like 18” x 18”.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

I've been having very good luck with my two starcki damsels. They get along great together and bother nobody at all.

 

[mort]

How much of a territory should be allocated per Chrysiptera?

I heard it’s something like 18” x 18”.

Ime a pair happily controls 2ft x 2ft if given the space. If you have a higher number of damsels then they will reduce their territory. If you really cram them in they don't hold much of a territory at all.

 

[Zionas]

I see. In your opinion how many Chrysiptera could safely go into a 4 x 2ft tank?

 

[ca1ore]

How much of a territory should be allocated per Chrysiptera?

I heard it’s something like 18” x 18”.

I have 60 odd in a 96 x 36 x 30 space and they get along fine. Too lazy to do the math LOL.

 

[mort]

I see. In your opinion how many Chrysiptera could safely go into a 4 x 2ft tank?

It depends on what you want. If it was me I'd just get 2 pairs as you'd end up with one at either side of the tank, which is quite a harmonious way to keep them. If you wanted more you could certainly add more, I just prefer the quieter life in a modest sized tank. If I had a tank like ca1ore's though, I'd have 60 as well.

 

[vlangel]

I have 6 yellow tails in a 56 gallon didisplay. They share the tank with a firefish, a royal gramma, an orange spot blenny, 2 pajama Cardinalfish, 2 green gobies, and a tomini tang. They are peaceful model citizens.