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You really don't want the wimpy triggers like the bluejaw, not only do I not think they are tough enough to run with the eels, they are also just plain boring.
Definitely don't want that - thanks for the insight
Here are the possible outcomes that I have seen. Maybe the triggers just won't care, as they don't see them as threat, this does sometimes happen. But it will be less likely when you have multiple triggers to choose from. Some damsels will escape the wrath of the triggers, as damsels really are little demons, and very elusive. The triggers eventually give up and you have the ones that survived. They may slowly start to disappear after that when it becomes an opportunistic score for the trigger, or the triggers just stop caring. This is usually the same thing that happens with the eels.
Granted, there doesn't seem to be much out there with respect to what I am trying to learn - but I've been trying to read up on triggerfish to get a better understanding of aggression towards fish so I can get an idea of what is a "maybe" with damsels since some like the bluejaw pose no risk. I won't be tore up if a handful of damsels end up as food so long as I end up with a lot of them being elusive little demons for the long term.
I really liked the Clown, Humu Picasso, and Niger triggers. It sounds like the Clown is a definite no and the Humu Picasso is an unlikely - but the Niger might be a good choice?
I was hoping for 2 or 3 triggers in the 12" range that has been recommended a safe size with the eels. I really enjoy how they swim and behave.
The Melichthys triggers like the Indian Black or Pinktail also sound like candidates. Although they don't seem to be as attractive from pictures.
Crosshatch sound like they would have been excellent but seem to only come from Hawaii and aren't available any longer?
You want a more unique trigger, have you seen this one, the gold heart, They have been coming around more frequently, they used to be pretty rare.
Wow - that one is gorgeous!
Because of your starting point with the eels, you are likely looking at least 5-6" triggers to start. I would stock the tank with the damsels first. If they last a good long while and you enjoy them but you've lost some and want to restock, be careful. Make sure it's after the eels have been fed and after the triggers bedtime before introducing, and be mindful it doesn't look like you are offering a midnight snack to the eels.
Noted!
Would a constant supply of something like freeze dried krill or another autofeeder friendly food the triggers will eat help keep them off the damsels? Or is it more about they are going to go after them for the activity than just to eat them?
You definitely want triggers with these eels, I'm getting ready to revamp my 210g and am thinking of triggers and eels. I'm different than most where I like understocked tanks and don't mind tanks with little movement.
Awesome! Glad the subject is on topic for you too! Thanks again for all the help. I really appreciate you sharing what you know.
I may still go that route - I was really happy with the stocking list. I just think after looking at the space with the tank I would appreciate the constant little fish motion and from what I gather there is no way to incorporate that with the list I had settled on. I am trying to see what a list including lots of damsels could look like for comparison. It seems like I am going to have so much rock for the eels that there will be a million hiding places for a big group of damsels perhaps with some variety - but if it doesn't work out as a good option that is okay.