Mature Nano Needs Another Fish, HELP W/ Compatability!

I have a 9 month old 20 gal mixed reef. Currently, I have a blue yellow tail damsel and a clownfish. Both fish are very happy together and even hang out in the same section of tank. Actually, the clown is the boss of the reef. Recently, I decided I want another final and 3rd fish. So I received a hybrid dotty-back from my LFS. Once in the tank however, the blue damsel quickly tore it up! I removed it just in time, and returned it. Now I am trying to find more suitable options that can handle the rough attitude of the damsel. I have a 5 gal. sump with a tunze 9002 skimmer, so I can handle a 3rd fish in my sps system. PLZ HELP, THANKS!

 

You will most likely only succeed with another damsel and even then it is iffy at best.

 

Boy that is a tough one. Not many fish can stand up to Damsels once they have become established in a smaller tank. Not enough hiding places and territories.

You may have to remove one or both of the current fish and place them in the sump for a day or two allowing the new fish to acclimate and find a niche of it's own.

I would try the Dottyback again because honestly that is the only one that has a fighting chance besides another larger Damsel.

Good luck and following to see what others offer.

 

Try a Neon Dottyback. They are very pretty and should be able to handle your current fishes aggresion. You can also do a Highfin Perchlet. While small in size they are left alone by most fish because of their red coloration they are like little Groupers and do well with other more aggresive fish. Good luck.

 

The neon wont get too large for a 20 gal? The highfin looks awesome, very similar to the long-nose hawkfish. Thanks for the ideas!

 

Good idea putting the damsel in the sump for a day or so! I will prob end up doing so.

 

Very good point, however 1 damsel is already proving to be a handful. I don't know if i can handle 2 fish attacking my net while cleaning haha.

 

great ideas, keep em coming! so far my contenders are:

- Neon Dottyback
- Highfin Perchlet

 

Yellowtail Fang Blenny