Got rid of my blue velvet damsel

Well, today I turned in my 3.5" blue velvet damsel to a local petco. I didn't do it for the reasons most people would assume - he actually was a decent mannered fish. He didn't like being cut off and would dart at other fish that did it (for maybe a few inches, not pursuing) but otherwise he was fine.

When I first got one, I thought they only got 4" but a week ago I saw one at a local fish store that was about 7" and that fish was wide - I don't think he'd have enough swimming space even in a 75 unless it didn't have too much rock, and if there weren't many other fish. I also bought a springeri dottyback a couple weeks ago which has very similar markings that won't fade and stays small - and I can't find anyone saying theirs is aggressive, which surprised me since it's a dottyback. Now I'll possibly have room for a clown pair, and maybe a royal gramma or something else that's small.

I just wanted to make the post since a lot of people swear against damsels, but individuals can be alright if added last (which is how a lot of the fish available are). I do think things definitely would have been different if he was my first fish and would have been gone sooner, though he did leave the springeri alone.

 

Personally, I think damsels are the most misunderstood and unappreciated fish in the ocean. Given the proper environment, they're no more territorial than most other reef fish, and even less so than some.

BTW, I've kept damsels for years and have yet to have one grow to more than 3 inches.

 

Agreed.I have three three striped Damsels in my frag tank and have had several varieties over the years.They make excellent additions to the reef aquarium,are fun to watch,and are bulletproof.Given the proper ammount of space and tankmates they can live in harmony.

 

chromies are my favored species

 

I definitely will get chromis with a far future tank build. The blue reef and blue/green ones are very nice, and the purple ones are even better imo.

 

Chromis are not easy.Keep one by itself it hides all day; add three or more and eventually you end up with one.JME. People with larger tanks are more successful.Imagine that.;D

 

Yeah, that's what I've read. I'm hoping on getting some in a 150+ gallon tank when I get a house. Then they'd hopefully get along well.

 

I haven't experienced a single Chromis hiding in my tank. Might be the tank size is a positive. And possibly having a light load also.

 

The first two fish in my current tank were green chromis. One bullied the other to death in one month, then when he found himself alone, he hid and stopped eating until he died. I had chosen two small juveniles hoping for a better outcome. OTOH, my three damsels, a 3-stripe, a domino, and a yellowtail, are all model citizens. Not only do they not harass the cleaner wrasse, but they even allow periodic inspections. They also don't bother each other, but instead, keep to their own territories.