JamesL Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I have a confession to make. As much as I rant about them ... I have come to secretly realize that I really do like them. What am I talking about? No, not water changes (looks at Mark). Damsels. Yes, I said Damsels. Those bane-of-the-saltwater world fish. Why? Because they are one of the few fish that are ulta-active in tanks. They love to explore every nook and cranny of my tank (I have 2 Talbot Damsels). I see them out and about all of the time. My two tangs hide quite a bit. And my sole skunk clown hangs in his section of the tank. Granted, they are mean little snots, and have tried to bully fish many times their size. Though the tangs will put them in their place if needed. But they have nagged a jawfish to jump in the past, and harrased a swallowtail angel I used to have. I would like to get them gone so I can add a more variety of small peaceful fish, but at this point I am resigned to them being the most active fish the time until the grim reaper comes for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victoly Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 bait a hook. you know who the first fish to it will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wesreyn Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I have a confession to make. As much as I rant about them ... I have come to secretly realize that I really do like them. What am I talking about? No, not water changes (looks at Mark). Damsels. HAHA!!! Nice post... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnj Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I never had a problem with Damsels and over-aggression, but all of the hoopla has discouraged me from adding them to my current system (I do have a 4"+ Sgt Major). Such a bad rap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bige Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 One of the nicest looking fish I ever had was a damsel. It was bullied to death by my clowns. It was black with a white stripe and a blue dot behind its eye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bannerfish Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I think damsels are really cool, and they look great when you have a bunch of them in different colors. I just draw the line when one terrorizes and tears up other fish. I have a pair of talboti and a pair of yellow tail blue damsels in my big tank, even though they're real small they still add lots of activity, and imo the colors especially if the talboti are stunning. I love the little blue green chromis colors and will prob pick up a pair of those soon. Have you looked into some of the wrasses? Despite some people saying six lines are too aggressive, both of mine are wonderful and very interesting to watch. There are several species that are active and won't eat corals or other fish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted February 24, 2012 Author Share Posted February 24, 2012 I actually love 6 lines, and have never had problems with them. I need to add another one to my tank again. The last one I got was ultra-fresh from the ocean and I think brought in something that took out my swallowtail angel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonJones Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 My wife thinks damsels are the greatest fish ever. We will go in the fish store and some amazing tang will be there and she will walk right past it and oogle over the $5 damsel. Makes me laugh every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woods Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I give wrasses another vote as well for active great fish. I now have 7 wrasses (6 various fairy and 1 Mystery) in my 180g and love them. They are active and do not pick on other fish. If adding multiple, you need to be careful on order of introduction but I am a true wrasse enthusiast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted February 24, 2012 Share Posted February 24, 2012 I am fond of Yellow Tail Damsels. They stay small and a group of 4 - 6 is interesting and eye catching as they are always getting in each others business, and they usually are to small and to busy with themselves to cause undo harasment issues. What I think should be illegal are domino damsels and Neoglyphidon sp. damsels. Cute when small but they get the size of medium/large tangs and are VERY agressive and not very pretty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsea Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 Tim, I have 50 yellow tail damsels swimming in my 75G seaweed growout tank. The blue is brilliant iridescant under this 6500K 1000W MH. With the Vertical Loop Current carrying Red Ogo they scoot about eating pods. These little damsels are some kind of quick acrobat, a loop here and there. I was very pleased with the behavior of five Lyretail Sailfin Mollies that I bought in fresh water and adjusted to full strength salt in two hours. Four out of five were feeding immmediately. Today, all five are darting amongst the damsels and seaweed. At less than $2.5 these fish are active herbivores and reproduce prolifically with live offspring require no larval developement required. I am having to deal with micro algae along with the accelerated growth of the macro algae. James, I like damsels also. Are ladies in distress refered to anymore as "damels in distress". I am for being inclusive with these likes and confessions. Patrick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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