Tell me about Pink Smith damsels

davidcalgary29 · Feb 27, 2021

I've got a RSM 250 with a rehomed multicolor angel and two orchid dottybacks. While the angel does patrol the tank, the dottybacks stick to one rock, and they're a striking, if minimalist, presence in the tank.

My choices for future additions are limited to what ORA sends to Canada as I want to add only tank-bred fish (unless someone else needs to be rehomed). In my case, I'm limited to either Pink Smith damsels or a lemon damsel. I'm not terribly keen on either, as, you know -- damsels -- but I'm not going to add clownfish and I can't imagine what would happen if I put another dottyback in there.

I've searched, but can't find anything about pink smiths. Does anyone have any experience with them?

JumboShrimp · Feb 28, 2021

Maybe it goes by another name?

davidcalgary29 · Feb 28, 2021

It's Pomacentrus smithii.

JumboShrimp · Feb 28, 2021

Cute. I’d give it a try— what’s the worst that can happen?

davidcalgary29 · Feb 28, 2021

With a damsel? I can think of all sorts of things...

If I'm going with a damsel, I may just go for a lemon damsel. I've got a purple-and-yellow colour scheme developing in my RSM250, and it'd be a good fit colourwise.

JumboShrimp · Feb 28, 2021

Have you considered a Talbot?

JumboShrimp · Feb 28, 2021

(Photo from LiveAquaria)

davidcalgary29 · Feb 28, 2021

No, because my choice is between these fish only: a pink damsel, a yellow damsel, or an electric indigo dottyback (I am not going to put clowns in this tank). I have access to no other supplier of ORA fish, and this is all they have.

nereefpat · Mar 1, 2021

JumboShrimp said:
(Photo from LiveAquaria)

I think that's a Talbot's (C. talboti)?

JumboShrimp · Mar 1, 2021

Yes-- I thought it might be a good alternative, but the OP said 'no thanks.'

nereefpat · Mar 1, 2021

JumboShrimp said:
Yes-- I thought it might be a good alternative, but the OP said 'no thanks.'

Whoops. I missed your first post there. Your pick would be better.

Acros · Aug 17, 2021

I have a pair of pink smith damselfish. Got them about a little over a month back. Definitely not peaceful fish, but not too bad either. They leave each other alone for the most part. The bigger one chases the smaller one occasionally. I haven’t seen any fin nipping yet. It appears that they might have spawned once already (unlikely as it is too early). The bigger one (assuming it is the male) was very protective of a specific cave for about 5-7 day and wouldn’t even come out to feed. It is fine now.

They are very pretty fish. Almost look like an anthias.

Tank: 25 gallon. No other fish yet.