Yellow tail damsels

[dory36]

My tank is about to hit the 3 week mark as far as cycling goes. I added 3 yellow tail damsels to help kick start my cycle. HOWEVER, I do plan on keeping them if all goes well. My problem is this: I never see these fish. They hide in the rock and almost never come out. If they are out, they quick hide as soon as someone enters the room. I also think that 2 of these fish are picking on the smaller one. He hides behind the power head and it looks as if his fins have been nipped at. I thought damsels did better in odd numbers? Suggestions anyone? :notsure:

 

[dogstar]

Could be forming a mated pair.
As far as hiding that could be just establishing territory. Hopefully they get more bolder, YTs are more timid than the devil damsels and haveing them in odd numbers I think is better if in small schools like 5 or more.
Just thinking out loud.

 

[wax32]

Sometimes timid fish, like your damsels, need a more boisterous, but not mean, one swimming around in the tank to feel comfortable... maybe down the road pick up a fairy wrasse or something like that.

 

[dory36]

So, I should get maybe 2 more yellow tail damsels to form a school and then some sort of obnoxious fish to bring them out of hiding? What other fish besides a wrasse? Wrasses are fine, but I'm just exploring some options. Also, how many fish should I have...this is a 42 gallon. Thanks!

 

[dogstar]

YTs dont get too big so you could could get a few more if you want and if you have enough rock to go around.

 

[wax32]

My bi-color blenny does a good job of keeping things active in the tank. Main thing is you want an active fish that isn't mean. BUt yes, a couple more damsels wouldn't hurt either... assuming we are talking about your 75 tank?

 

[dougai]

mine did too until i got more fish, now he is out 2000000 mil times more

 

[dory36]

No, I'm done stocking my 75. This is for my 42. I've never been able to keep a bi-color blenny alive, so what other types of fish? They're actually out tonight...I don't think they can see me over here behind the monitor!

 

[konrade]

I have a yellowtail damsel and when I first got him, he would hide ALL of the time. He got more comfortable after a week and now he swims around in front of the tank and never gets scared. Also, if you buy any more damsels you will be at your stocking limit, and you won't be able to have any more fish, thus the temptation to get rid of them in the long run. This is just a thought, and i hope you have good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[wax32]

Oh the 42. Yeah I wouldn't add anymore damsels. Now its time to pick your "centerpiece" fish.

 

[reefman22]

I had the same problem, except with reef chromis damsels. I know these are ALOT more timid but at first, they hid 100% of the time and now, about 3 days later they only go in the rocks to sleep, or when I am working in my tank.

 

[rappa]

While the tank is cycling, the fish are stressed. It is natural for them to hide. They aren't feeling good. They won't be active either. As soon as your levels come stable, those 3 little fish will come alive. Trust me, they will be popping in and out of your LR, chasing each other around in no time. They are brave fish and usually will not get startled by people either. Just wait...
Oh and some of them will not always make it through the cycle. I started with 8 Damsels and after cycling I have 4 left. I think they naturaly will pick on the weaker fish.