Evil Damsels

Hi, we have a small humbug damsel and a lionfish. The Lionfish is fairly peaceful, but when we added a Tang and an Angel, the Damsel has become very territorial and aggressive. The Angel is fine now after some haggling, but the Tang is holding up at the back, too scared to go out into open water (the damsel attacks when it does). Does anyone have any ideas on how to control the aggression (other than re-homing the Damsel/Tang). Thanks.

 

How big is your tank?

 

You will most likely have to remove the damsel, that is just the nature of some damsels, mostly mature ones.

 

Damsels are pretty mean little buggers by nature... What kind of damsels and how old(or big i guess)? You will more than likely have to remove them. I have 2 yellow tails in a 10g and they do fine, but they are some of the more docile damsels. Plus they are the only 2 fish in the system.

 

If you do decide to try and capture the damsels... I caught a wrasse just yesterday with a homemade fish trap made from a 2 liter soda bottle.

PM me for the details if your interested, it's a pretty simple procedure but there are some details I learned through trail and error.

 

ive had a damsel take over my whole 55 gallon he didnt let my clownfish come out of the corner

 

IMO the only fish that should be kept with damsels are dottybacks,they deserve each other .Your damsel will probably not let up,he may even get worse as he gets older,more mature.Like the others mentioned,the best bet would be to remove him.

 

They deserve worse, a bull shark will do;D

 

ha this topic is funny. Damsels are mean small dogs that have a big bite. It is a shame that far to often the LFS sell these fish as starters then you later find yourself adding the fish you want only to have to tear down the aquascape just to get the damsels out.

That was my first tank experience and the next tank build thankfully I had found 3reef which schooled me in the fine art of just using live rock, and sand to get through my cycle.

I do have a yellow tale damsel which is pretty laid back as damsels go. Never again will I get a domino, four strip, or any other besides the yellow tail.

 

The tank is 250 litres (or 54 gallons). Plenty space for 4 fish!