[Pug]

So I just got home from the lfs and purchased a diamond goby. After I acclimated the new diamond goby I put him in the main tank it was like someone rang the bell at a Royal Rumble. My damsels are about 3 years old and are a decent size. They even nip at me when I do weekly changes. Now I KNOW that these two species are supposed to be compatible, what's the deal? Do they just need to get used to the new guy in town? I have a 37gal tall tank with decent rock coverage. I also purchased a fire shrimp today. If the damsels give him a hard time I am giving the Damsels the boot. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks
Pug

[rlcline76]

Damsels are territorial fish. You have a small tank with 3 full size damsels...I'm sure to them, that whole 37 gallons is theirs! At one time, these may have been compatible, if the goby was in the tank first...and even then it might be up for grabs.

[e_baer]

yeah, rlcline76 is abolutely correct. damsels are extremely territorial.

Especially in a tank that size, and you ahve 3 decently sized fish in there!

I would just give them the boot and get some store credit form yout lfs.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

the only fish compatable with a damsel is a 4 foot hungry shark lol.

[msbdiving]

If you absolutely must have a damsel, go with the blue colored yellowtail. I have one and it is a wimp. Other than that one species, I wouldn't put any other type in my tank, my maroon clown is already aggressive enough. Don't want to lose money because of unneeded fish stress.

[glampka]

The only good damsel is a dead damsel. I had a couple yellowtails - they created all sorts of havoc - needless to say They're Outta Here!!!

[Pug]

I took out the biggest culprit this am. Off to the lfs. Took me 30mins to get him out that sneaky *******...

[dori9941]

The damsel is a daily battle with me. I like the way they look, swim and eat. I have a 10 gal. with a yellow-tail and a 4 striped. the yellow tail has the bottom and mid and the 4 striped stay around the top. He dives down for food. I haven't witnessed any aggres. how-ever, it is easy to see who ownes more water. I have A 20g with a figure 8 puffer fish and recently the yellowtail. about 3 1/2 weeks ago i put him in there. the damsel is the only fish that has lived more than 2 hours in that tank. I can't catch the damsel. with out taking everything out of there. puff has been in my care for 1 year, so he has to be more than 1 y old. he is 1 inch long and in between 1/4 and a 1/2 in wide. They keep each other in check with out injury. I hate seeing puff bullied for in this tank also, the yellow tailhas the most room to him self. I will end up taking it back eventually. since they r not hurting each other it's hard to have a reason but every time that dam. goes to ram puff very abuseive thoughts come to mind. I don't like having those thoughts so it will go back. I have never had a goby so i can't tell u for sure but puff is comp. with dams. too so that should help. my damsels are tiny. i can't imagine what a full grown would do to my puffer. the fish will let you know if it will work. best wishes

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by Pug

I took out the biggest culprit this am. Off to the lfs. Took me 30mins to get him out that sneaky *******...

oh didnt see this. i couldn't catch mine

[jvharding]

What a shame! Everyone is on the Damsel Hating Band Wagon. Yes damsels are territorial Many fish are. I would have suggested moving live rock around, And leaving the light off for awhile these things may have helped. Fish Introduction can be done in numerous ways.



Damsels are entertaining fish and they have their place in a reef. It's a matter of your tank size and fish choices. I have all ways had Damsels in my reef!

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by jvharding

What a shame! Everyone is on the Damsel Hating Band Wagon. Yes damsels are territorial Many fish are. I would have suggested moving live rock around, And leaving the light off for awhile these things may have helped. Fish Introduction can be done in numerous ways.



Damsels are entertaining fish and they have their place in a reef. It's a matter of your tank size and fish choices. I have all ways had Damsels in my reef!

That why it's a daily battle for me. i like them. rearanging the rocks and caves help a huge amount, or it did for me, listen to them on that

[e_baer]

i completely agree with you jvharding, dasels DEFINATELY have their place in a reef tank, but they should always be the very last fish added, and i would not keep them with an assortment of fish in a tank any smaller than a 75. when i had 1 in my 55, it was way too territorial. and i was not about to rearange all the rock just for one stupid fish, so i just put him in with my lion hopeing for the best, but, unfortunately the lion left him alone