Do people still keep Damselfish?

[Evil1]

I still have a 3 strip in my tank. Starter fish many years ago. I had 2 which to my surprise were male and female and started laying eggs and were even more brutal during spawning. A few years back I was able to catch and re- home the female (there was no way I wanted a tank full of these terrors) but unfortunately the male is impossible to catch so he is still in there still trying to bully my tangs and copperband but they just swat him away . I can hear him when light are out making that annoying twirping sound when any other fish cross his boundaries. Next tank no damsels. I’ll cycle fish less!

 

[kevgib67]

 

[Paul B]

When the hobby started, all there was for sale were dominoes, blue devils, and sergeant majors.

This was circa 1972. This male is over his nest of eggs. I had 7 of them and they were among the first fish imported to New York. The problem with those fish is that you can't get rid of them. They never die and are annoying because they bother every fish you have. You need to rent a big truck to run them over to kill them.

 

[steveschuerger]

I had 2 yellowtail in a 30 and the the 60 when I up graded. Split the tank in halves. Mostly pestered each other but I rehomed them when, for whatever reason, they started to nibble on my sps

 

[Tahoe61]

Damsels will rule nanos, once mature they may become territorial.
And yet because of their beauty and feisty nature I accommodate them.

 

[Jasonak]

Yellow tail damsel (3)
Springer damsel (4)
Humbug damsel (2)
Azure damsel (4)
Black chromis

 

[Biokabe]

I have a Talbot and Kupang (I think the same thing as the azure, just a different name) in my current tank, will probably add a couple more. The Talbot's was a little persnickety when I added the Kupang, the clown, and the orchid dottyback, but after a couple days chasing after them he settled down and now they all get along just fine. I'll probably add a couple for Chrysiptera damsels to the tank before I'm done.

 

[Ridgeback1]

I have four YT in my 327 that are four years old. They bully no other fish, are very calm, and even get along among themselves, though they do mostly each stick to their own patch of rock most of the time. I like them for their hardiness, color, movement, and peaceful temperament.

 

[schooncw]

Before you say “ yes, you have clownfish”…don’t! lol!

Didn’t we all have damsels when we first started? Domino, yellow tale, striped, evil little devils!

What about now?

Anyone keeping the Azure Damselfish?

I’ve had two Azures and a Springeri in my 120 for years w no problem but the system is loaded w rock and coral, so lots of territory.
Really adds a lot to my reef.
I also have an old pair of Maroon Clowns.

 

[winzig]

I have an azure and a Pavo in my 100 gallon no issues

 

[McPuff]

I had several about 2 years ago but now I find myself with 2 azures and that's it. I want to get more. Probably a group of talbotts and maybe a few half-black if I can find them.

 

[AlyciaMarie]

Absolutely, I have two and one is right below the red tree sponge. :)

Beautiful photo!

 

[MattMcFMI]

As the topic title infers, I must be insane
I’ve got 15 damsels.
All lovely fish. They are awesome!

6 Neopomacentrus cyanomos
1 Vanderbilt’s Chromis
2 Talbot’s damsels
6 Fusilier damsels

May add two roland’s or auriventris in the future.

Im with you... 220gal mixed reef with 26 fish, 7 of them being different types of damsels. There is a ton of rock and sps in the system. The damsels have all claimed a small territory that they stay in most of the day outside of feeding. In 2 years I haven't lost one. The only aggression i see is chasing one another out of their respective territories. The activity is nice. I prefer more small fish darting around the system to just having a tang gang.

 

[logibear]

I’ve had a springeri for the last year. No issues with aggression. Seems to have claimed territory in my green birds nest and comes out to eat.

 

[JumboShrimp]

If you ever wanted a rabid junkyard dog, but don't have the backyard for it, buy a 3- (or 4-) Stripe Damsel, or a Domino Damsel, and watch it grow. (Be ready to eventually call Animal Control, to come out with a net.) (Pun!)

 

[Waters]

I currently have two azures.......model citizens

 

[m_attt]

I have a springeri and azure both just do their own thing and don't bother anything.

 

[baldislife]

I recently added a Talbot to my 25g lagoon. So far so good! Fingers crossed.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Talbots are great. A fantastic color-bang for the buck... though they're not $7.99 anymore.

 

[Linden13]

I have 1 springeri damsel and 2 azure they are in a 200 gallon mixed reef. I havnt seen them bother anybody but they are the smallest fish in the tank. Bright colors on them and they are always swimming through the coral. I think they are great fish especially for the inexpensive price and also supposed pest control.