Man V.S. Fish

Raege · Jul 9, 2018

Had to move a bully Damsel out if tank today. Back 20 years ago I was a pretty good fish wrangler with my freshwater tanks. This Damsel taught me a lesson for 15 minutes dart into holes and speeding around thought I saw bubbles of laughter coming from his mouth.
Once I realized I'm older and slower and possibly thus day not as smart as an 1.5 inch Damsel built a home fish trap.
The trap worked immediately on the wrong fish......but after resetting it finally was victorious.
The big question is will a few days in QT tank ease up hus behavior or is he destined to find a home elsewhere?
I've searched forums and it's a mixed bag whether he can be social again. Any thoughts or tips to help reintroduce him?
Thanks for any advice

GoldeneyeRet · Jul 9, 2018

Which damsel, tank size and tankmates will help answer the question.

Raege · Jul 9, 2018

Trouble maker is plain Blue Damsel
Tank is 75 gallon
Tankmates another Blue Damsel Yellow Tang and a Firefish

GoldeneyeRet · Jul 9, 2018

All blue? Which fish is he bullying?

If it's a Chrysiptera cyanea then he shouldn't get overly aggressive however I have found them a little spicier than other chrysiptera damsels. The firefish is easily intimidated and not an ideal tank mate. Two damsels can become more aggressive if they pair up and start spawning behavior, especially in a tank that size. Also, the tang might be making the damsel feel threatened and bringing out a little aggression.

It's worth a try to give him a time out, maybe rearange the rockscape while hes on vacation but its possible he may keep up the antics once he returns.

Good luck!

Raege · Jul 9, 2018

Only fish he's after is other Damsel. The tang is super mellow and just cruises tank. The firefish loves his corner and makes his occasional appearances in front and I haven't seen the Damsel after him unless it's back if tank out of site.
Will cross my fingers that he chills a bit.