damsel tankmates

[mroli]

Hi all,
I added a Fiji damsel as my first fish in my new reef tank, not knowing just how agressive it was going to be. It killed the other damsel in the tank, but I still want to keep him - he's actually a pretty cool fish.
I was just wondering if there were any reef safe fish out there that could hang with him and not get clobbered. If not, then I'll trap him and take him back.
Thanks for any advise,
Chris

 

[killafins]

what size tanks? r there alot of hiding spots? what type of tank r u looking into making?

 

[mroli]

72g bowfront, 30g sump. lot's of rock, caves, and hiding areas. Going to be a reef with fish tank.
chris

 

[killafins]

Honestly, I feel there isn't a problem with almost any fish... you can get some tangs in there... maybe a lion fish (depends on how big ur damsel is)... use ur imagination. With a 72 gallon u can do alot with it, well maybe except keep a manatee in there (darnit) but seriously... what are you interested in?

 

[mroli]

tangs, clowns, other nice peaceful fish I just don't want to see 'em floating one morning...
thanks
chris

 

[bdhough]

I second jw's assesment. If you can hold him elsewhere for a couple days then you may be able to eliminate territorial issues. While he is gone from the tank change the rock so he has to reestablish himself. They will get along with plenty of fish but many fish are very territorial after they are established. It never fails.

 

[ozadars]

Dont think a tang will be happy in a 75gal. (Sorry i m a big tang lover and dont agree putting them in a tank smaller than 100gal
)
Also a volitan wont fit in a 75 too. The rest will fit but they will eat the damsel. A dottyback is ok

 

[drakken]

My 54 corner tank is mostly all damsels. What worked for me to keep the aggression down was to put the dominant one in a breeder net for a few days. I put a peice of pvc pipe in the net so he had a hiding place. Also, I rearanged the rock work to break up the territories. Now everyone gets along well with only a few quick chases now and then.

 

[starfishjackedme]

I had 5 blue devils in my 200. They systematically eliminated any smaller fish, and then turned on themselves until only the strongest and biggest was left. I have my damsels in a 55gal FO that they can run amuck in, but not my reef.

 

[mroli]

I fear that your strongest fish's brother is in my tank. There is a piece of shrimp in the tank right now. The hermits are going after it and the damsel is attacking the crabs - this after already having been fed.
I'm leaning towards catch and release (at the LFS).
thanks for all of the input,
chris

 

[drakken]

Hey mroli,
What kind of guitars do you like? I play an Ibanez 6 string electric on a Marshall amp. I'm pretty new to electric guitars but I'm having fun with it.

 

[mroli]

White Jackson, strat style
Hand made KOA Strat
assorted amps and gadgets
been playing since I was 14. that was ... uh... 1, 2 add 20 or so, about 24 years ago.
damn I'm old... but still rockin.
chris

 

[drakken]

Originally posted by mroli
White Jackson, strat style
Hand made KOA Strat
assorted amps and gadgets
been playing since I was 14. that was ... uh... 1, 2 add 20 or so, about 24 years ago.
damn I'm old... but still rockin.
chris
Well, I'm 36 and just started guitar!