Damsels? (1 Viewer)

[H2OHOH]

I was in Orlando recently and took a visit to WorldWide corals. Wow, like going to the aquarium zoo.

now, I realize some of their displays are large and have lots of rock and coral….but I noticed a fair number of damsels. I might have just answered my question….but how does one keep damsels.

i like the movement and all the reeflike feel they give. I’ve read so many stories of them being lil brats that I believe it. However, have any of you had any luck. So many varieties, colors, etc…

 

[Joris]

They're definitely aggressive in general, but it varies from species to species. The easiest type of damsel would probably be clownfish, but I'm guessing that's not what you're looking for.

Generally a damsel can do well if you only get 1 and put it with fish that don't let themselves get beat up by it.

 

[BlindSwordsman]

My 'resolution' (kind of) for this year is 'to not say negative things' (among other things ) so I've been trying to hold off on my comment on this. But I'm thinking it might probably help so here it is : These fish are pretty but they are usually cheap because they are not very 'likable'. They have an aggressive trait. They like to fight among themselves. And they bite .. literally! ... You put your hand into the tank and there they are, shooting out to zap you. You chase them away, and they run into hiding, then they shoot out with their tails wagging to zap you again. Little b*st*rds!!! ... Like I said, not very likable. But they are pretty and cheap!!!

 

[ichthyogeek]

Damsels are pretty easy to keep care-wise. They'll eat almost everything. It's just behavior (as you noted) that tends to get them on people's bad sides. For the most part, they're usually bulletproof and pretty. But there are a few caveats.

1) Some species of damselfish are sold in their juvenile color phase. Then they get significantly...less colorful, in their adult color phase. If you see a fish that looks absolutely stunning, make sure to google what its adult color phase looks like, and ask what the species name is. One fish that comes to mind is the Neoglyphidodon genus, like N. oxyodon, the blue velvet damselfish. Absolutely stunning as a juvenile. Absolutely not stunning as an adult.

2) Certain genuses/families tend to be quite susceptible to various diseases but bulletproof to others. Clownfish (which are damselfish) are pretty sensitive to brooklynella/really show it when they get infected. Similarly, chromis (also damselfish) are very sensitive to uronema infections.

Is there a specific species (or number of species) that you're particularly interested in?

 

[Sidgjr]

Funny that you bring up Damsels. I was watching the video below a few days ago and this piqued my interest.

Rolland's/Black Cap Damselfish (Chrysiptera rollandi)