Fish that look similar to damselfish without the aggression?

Austin Mullis

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I really like the look of damselfish, however have heard that they are some of the most aggressive fish out there despite their size. Are there any less agressive nano-fish with a blue body and yellow tail?
 

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I really like the look of damselfish, however have heard that they are some of the most aggressive fish out there despite their size. Are there any less agressive nano-fish with a blue body and yellow tail?
Damsels of the genus Chrysiptera are usually pretty well behaved. I find C.hemicyanea, springeri, and arnazae to be among rhe better behaved.
 

mta_morrow

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I really like the look of damselfish, however have heard that they are some of the most aggressive fish out there despite their size. Are there any less agressive nano-fish with a blue body and yellow tail?

I have 3 azure damsel fish in my 108 gallon tank. Plus 19 other peaceful fish.

They tend to bicker a bit with each other, but don’t really bother anyone else.

They tend to move around a lot amongst the rock work, which is great as the colors are beautiful.
 
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Austin Mullis

Austin Mullis

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aren't they more aggressive in smaller tanks though? also, clowns are a species of damsel's right? so wouldnt that also cause and issue?
 

eatbreakfast

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How small of a tank are we talking? Chrysiptera damsels maintain a territory, but it is small in relation to other damsels.
 

mta_morrow

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aren't they more aggressive in smaller tanks though? also, clowns are a species of damsel's right? so wouldnt that also cause and issue?

I have 3 azure damsels, 2 ocelllaris clowns, and 1 blue chromis.

I also have a lot of space and rock work.

I have yet to see any aggression.

Actually my purple fire fish chases the damsels away when the get to close to him sometimes!
 

mta_morrow

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no im planning livestock before i set it up.

In a prior post you were concerned about a damsel with clowns.

Are you planning on clowns? What kind of clowns.

Please share your stocking plan as that is important and will help determine compatibility.
 

Sailingeric

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I have 2 ocelllaris clowns, 1 blue chromis and 1 blue damsel. The chromis let the damsel know where its sleeping hole was in the beginning when the damsel was trying to find a spot to live but other than that no aggression between any of the fish. My damsel has his spot around section of the rock and does not venture too far out from hit. I do have a 75 gallon tank so YMMV.
 
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Austin Mullis

Austin Mullis

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Well I'm not dead set on anything yet, but there are a handfull of fish im considering. After a bit more compatibility research i'll decide between these fish. Just to clarify obviously not getting all of them these are just the ones i've narrowed it down to. also open to other options too.

Ocellaris Clownfish
Royal Gramma
Yellowtail damsel/similar damsel
Yellow Watchman goby +pistol shrimp
tailspot blenny
yellow clown goby
cleaner shrimp
 

mta_morrow

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Well I'm not dead set on anything yet, but there are a handfull of fish im considering. After a bit more compatibility research i'll decide between these fish. Just to clarify obviously not getting all of them these are just the ones i've narrowed it down to. also open to other options too.

Ocellaris Clownfish
Royal Gramma
Yellowtail damsel/similar damsel
Yellow Watchman goby +pistol shrimp
tailspot blenny
yellow clown goby
cleaner shrimp

From your list, A single clown will claim the most territory.

YWG and pistol could have the bottom.
Yellowtail or similar damsel and tailspot blenny could share the rest.

You would most likely see all 3 all the time.

You will need adequate filtration for 3 fish in that size tank.

I would add the YWG and blenny first. Then if your filtration can handle it, damsel last.
 

mta_morrow

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Katrina71

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We have a blue/black damsel with 2 clownfish and a watchman/pistol. Everyone told us to flush him...he is beautiful, sweet sweet sweet. The goby is an absolute terror
 

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I have an azure damsel that is very peaceful but is bullied by a female ocellaris that is nearly double its size. IMO azures are one of the nicest and tend to be on the peaceful size, though less so to very similar fish. I'd also consider a royal gramma.
 

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Damsels of the genus Chrysiptera are usually pretty well behaved. I find C.hemicyanea, springeri, and arnazae to be among rhe better behaved.
I got a pair of C. hemicyanea in my 65 gal tank with peaceful Flasher, clowns and powder blue tang. No problem. They spawned (egg nest right on the back wall) every week or two also. Nice bright color active fish.
Had C. parasema in many tanks also. Never have problem with them. Both of these species have exceptionally bright blue and yellow when healthy.
 

d2mini

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Springeri Damsel! It looks like a damsel cause it IS a damsel. ;) But totally non-aggressive. No yellow tail, though.
Love mine. I got one when I saw that Mike Paletta has them. :)

i-CWcVM38-X2.jpg
 

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