Electric Blue Damsel - Should I Keep It?

[Eienna]

I am tearing down my FO tank and selling the fish, but there's a couple that are reef-safe and I'd like to keep them if they can be kept with my current and planned peacefuls. My Molly, I'm afraid, probably can't; she was moved to that tank in the first place because she was harassing my other FW fish incessantly. My question is about the electric blue damsel. So far it has been a model citizen but I believe it's still a juvenile. I would hate to have it kill any of my other fish, especially my green mandarin or chalk basslet, but I fear what may happen to him if I sell him (and he's also a handsome fish!)

I need opinions. Should I try keeping him (I'll be moving my reef to a 50g and later a 125) or does he pose too much of a risk?

 

[AlexG]

Damsels for the most part are mean. Electric blue damsel will pick on the chalk basslet. The mandarin is a 50/50 shot. Many fish leave mandarins alone due to their coloring. Either way I would consider selling the damsel.

 

[Duffam3434]

We use Damsels like most people to place in the tank before anything else once it has cycled.. After that we start placing new fish in and the Damels pick on them because they want the tank to them selves.. Chromis are your best choice if you want Damsels.

 

[Eienna]

We use Damsels like most people to place in the tank before anything else once it has cycled.. After that we start placing new fish in and the Damels pick on them because they want the tank to them selves.. Chromis are your best choice if you want Damsels.

I don't "want damsels" per se. I just have this guy already and am trying to decide whether to sell him or give him a shot with my other fish :/

I don't really like the idea of him becoming a sacrificial cycle fish, and so far he's done no harm, so it's a tough decision.

 

[Reef Fever]

keep it, i love my damsels, even in comparison to some of my fish that cost over $150 lol

 

[hybridazn]

I would find it a new home. It will save you headaches down the road

 

[Eienna]

Damsels for the most part are mean. Electric blue damsel will pick on the chalk basslet. The mandarin is a 50/50 shot. Many fish leave mandarins alone due to their coloring. Either way I would consider selling the damsel.

If I could count on it going only as far as "picking on it" the choice would be easy - give it a chance. I've heard some horror stories, though. ;-; What do you think the likelihood is of him killing another fish?

keep it, i love my damsels, even in comparison to some of my fish that cost over $150 lol

I love my fish too, even the inexpensive ones (one of which I acquired for a single dollar). I hate having to break down this tank at all...but my health is not allowing for four tanks to be individually and properly maintained. When my plan comes together, I'll have two 125g tanks - one freshwater and one reef - and my 10g betta tank.

I'm really torn...I don't want him to suffer in someobe else's hands, but I love my basslet and dragonet. I think my honey would be crushed if something happened to his Nemo, too. What do you think the chances are of him killing one of those in a 50g tank?

....or maybe you'd take him?

 

[Eienna]

Oops. He's a she.

 

[Gladfelter]

Got a refugium? Dump it in there

 

[Eienna]

Sometimes just talking about something helps solidify in my mind what needs to be done...I need to find her a new home. Now the job is to find a place my conscience can live with. I'm hoping to let her and her tankmates go to someone here on the forum.

 

[Eienna]

Got a refugium? Dump it in there

Don't have one yet. I kind of will when I modify my 20g to work as one after I set up my 50g...but that seems a little too much like fishy jail. She'd be all alone.

 

[AlexG]

It sounds like you are attached to this fish. In this case I would say try and add it with the other fish and keep an eye on them. I dont think this damsel would instantly kill your other fish and if it is being added to a tank where the other fish are already established the risk will be lower. Worst case is you need to tear the tank apart to catch it later if she becomes trouble.

 

[Eienna]

It sounds like you are attached to this fish. In this case I would say try and add it with the other fish and keep an eye on them. I dont think this damsel would instantly kill your other fish and if it is being added to a tank where the other fish are already established the risk will be lower. Worst case is you need to tear the tank apart to catch it later if she becomes trouble.

I think I'll set up the 50g and add the 20g residents, then wait a few weeks and try the damsel. Guess I might as well try the molly at the same time...she doesn't have the equipment to deal real damage.

I have a green spotted puffer and a coral beauty as well, but sadly they are reef no-goes so they'll have to be rehomed.

 

[Coral Dreams]

Damsel's are like FW African Cichlids aggressive and territorial. Unless you have larger fish they can't bully or a very large aquarium with lots of hiding places.

 

[Eienna]

Damsel's are like FW African Cichlids aggressive and territorial. Unless you have larger fish they can't bully or a very large aquarium with lots of hiding places.

Now there's a take on it that registers in my brain, having had my beginnings in FW. I wish I had someone who could take it until I get my 125 set up!