Will blue damsel get aggressive later?

moksha

Member
I've had this one blue damsel since day one. He is the only fish that has been with me since day one, he's seen alot. Here's my question: He is the least aggressive fish in my 75 gal tank. When I was cycling, he got picked on by a black and white, and domino damsels, who are now back at the LFS. He gets chased occasionally by my clown and angel now. I'ved got a cleaner shrimp, tomato clown, and Juv Koran angel. I've heard about damsels getting mean when they grow up, but since mine is so docile, and has always been the whipping boy, what are the chances he'll stay docile? Would you believe he is also my favorite fish?
 

b_ball12_99

Member
He could turn out either way. A lot depends on the personality of the fish. If you have bigger fish that will defend themselve and pick on him then he might stay nonaggressive toward them.
 

shel

Member
He will probally be ok, he will likely pick on any fish smaller then him that you add to show the pecking order. I agree with b_ball that it depends on the personality of the fish. Hope this helps.
Shel
 

fender

Active Member
I started out with a domino damsel when I cycled my tank. He was the size of a nickel, very small, very cute. I got two blue damsels a little later. One of the two was very aggressive and chased every one around.
When my domino started losing fins I took back the two blues (about 1 month later) I could not tell which was which while chasing as this is not easy in a 90g tank with LR. The domino seemed very docile and I liked him alot. However when I added two percs to my tank, he decided to become VERY nasty. I added 3 chromises to hopefully spread out the aggression. I fed, turned off the lights and rearranged the tank before hand.
He killed one of them within an hour of intro to the tank. With much unhappiness I removed him from the tank. He was the size of a quater at this time. As he got bigger he got more aggressive.
Other than chromises I will not put a damsel of any kind in my tank again.
 

guppie

Member
I would think you are the best judge, keep an eye on him, and if he starts getting nasty time to get rid of him. I would not just get rid of him for no other reason then what everyone else says. I know of a couple of damsels that have been in tanks for years with fish their onwn size and bigger and they cause no problems. Just keep a close eye. Good Luck
 
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