Territorial Damsel

[zypher]

I have a 3 spot domino Damsel that was getting along just fine with all other livestock for over a year. Just recently he has become extremely territorial. To the extent that he has murdered one ocellaris clown, a banded coral shrimp, and has started targeting my firefish. He still leaves my other fish alone but I have even seen him nip at my xenia a few times. Is there something I can do to curve this behavior or do I need to remove him from the tank? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Brad Miller]

Put him in your sump and tell it it's for a "time out"

 

[Gareth elliott]

Damsel fish get more aggressive as they age, there are a few species this is quite muted but the domino isnt one of those. The coral nipping isnt likely to cause harm to a coral, as these arent really coral eaters, but she will continue to be aggressive to tank mates even more so to new additions. There really isnt a cure. Either switching to similar agressive stock(not always a great choice for smaller aquariums) or removal.

 

[zypher]

Put him in your sump and tell it it's for a "time out"

lol! I actually threatened him with that.

 

[zypher]

Damsel fish get more aggressive as they age, there are a few species this is quite muted but the domino isnt one of those. The coral nipping isnt likely to cause harm to a coral, as these arent really coral eaters, but she will continue to be aggressive to tank mates even more so to new additions. There really isnt a cure. Either switching to similar agressive stock(not always a great choice for smaller aquariums) or removal.

That's what I figured but I thought I would bring it to the table anyway. Thank you very much.

 

[Gareth elliott]

That's what I figured but I thought I would bring it to the table anyway. Thank you very much.

Your welcome sorry couldnt give better news.
There are some clowns that have similar colors. The black and white false perc is a natural color variation from Australia.

 

[zypher]

Your welcome sorry couldnt give better news.
There are some clowns that have similar colors. The black and white false perc is a natural color variation from Australia.

I do have one of those and the damsel tends to leave him alone for the most part.

 

[Scdell]

Do you have two of them? If so they may be spawning. That's when the game changes. I have two blue damsels that are spawning. Very territorial and aggressive.

 

[zypher]

Do you have two of them? If so they may be spawning. That's when the game changes. I have two blue damsels that are spawning. Very territorial and aggressive.

Only 1 domino but there is a yellowtail damsel as well.

 

[Scdell]

Only 1 domino but there is a yellowtail damsel as well.

I doubt they are spawning. I thought about removing mine, but I wouldn't even know where to begin on catching them.

 

[zypher]

I doubt they are spawning. I thought about removing mine, but I wouldn't even know where to begin on catching them.

I did try catching the domino for the last 2 days but it's really quick and after pulling half of my hair out I threw in the towel for now.

 

[Scdell]

Someone told me to take a soda bottle. Cut it in half, invert the top into the bottom, but cut a bigger hole in the neck so the fish can get in. Put food in it and wait till the fish goes in. Haven't tried it yet.

 

[zypher]

Someone told me to take a soda bottle. Cut it in half, invert the top into the bottom, but cut a bigger hole in the neck so the fish can get in. Put food in it and wait till the fish goes in. Haven't tried it yet.

If I end up trying this method I will let you know how it turns out. Thank you!

 

[ShaunRobinson]

Bottle trap can be very effective at times but patience is the key. Don’t expect them to swim straight in, They have to get used to the bottle being part of the tank. If I was you I’d take the damsel back to the shop and get something else. They are nothing but hassle...

 

[Jon Fishman]

I have 2 Domino, one blue and one 4 stripe and 2 chromis and I was planning on removing all fish before getting anything else, and I think I am getting rid of the dominos sooner than later. Mine terrorize the tank. big bullies

 

[Tham121988]

I have a 3 spot domino Damsel that was getting along just fine with all other livestock for over a year. Just recently he has become extremely territorial. To the extent that he has murdered one ocellaris clown, a banded coral shrimp, and has started targeting my firefish. He still leaves my other fish alone but I have even seen him nip at my xenia a few times. Is there something I can do to curve this behavior or do I need to remove him from the tank? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

So weird they have been okay for a year! I have heard damsels are mean sons of a gun! There are some really pretty species though. Hopefully someone can offer some good advice.