20-30 neon damsels?

kpiotrowski · Jun 15, 2014

I want to get a school of fish in my 300g sps reef and am considering 20-30 neon damsels. Anyone have experince with these in large groups? TIA! ( currently have 4 tangs, 2 banners, mated ocellaris, lone green chromis and bangghia, sand sifter, and flame hawk. 425 actual gallons of water in the system.

Also considered longspine cardinals. any other suggestions for fish that may stick together more and stay around 2 inches and under $15--$20 each?

Reefing Madness · Jun 16, 2014

Mike J. · Jun 16, 2014

My experience was that they get large fast and when they get large they get evil and just tear things apart for fun.
EDIT: Whoops. I was referring to the Neon Velvet Damsel Neoglyphidodon oxyodon. You're probably asking about Allen's Damsel Pomacentrus alleni.
Those I don't know about. But I can tell you I've had three Blue Devils in a reef for 10 years and they've been a great fish.

Seagars · Jun 16, 2014

get chromis instead. IMO

kpiotrowski · Jun 17, 2014

thanks yes the alleni damsel.

eatbreakfast · Jun 17, 2014

I have kept groups of Alleni damsels in large tanks, but found they pair off and dont stay together as a group.

Dispar anthias will stay fairly close if you have a group of 10 or more individuals.

kpiotrowski · Jun 17, 2014

thanks again. am reconsidering.............

FL_Reefer · Jun 17, 2014

I would avoid damsels all together, I have never had a damsel that I have not traded back in due to aggression, not just toward other damsels but all of our fish. There the devil! Just my experience with them. Maybe go with a few different kinds of chromis or cardinals? Way more mellow

chenwon54 · Jun 17, 2014

suggestion

+1 on the chromis or anthias. just don't get the yellow chromis - they are *******s...

kpiotrowski · Jun 18, 2014

these are a more peaceful damsel. I have only recently become aware of them because besides common clowns I have never been interested in damsels and have avoided them.