Yellowtail Damsels

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by smackrock, Sep 24, 2009.

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  1. smackrock

    smackrock Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I've been reading a lot of conflicting information about yellowtail damsels and I wanted to hear a few more opinions on the subject.

    Many sources say having 1 damsel in the tank shouldn't cause a lot of issues (with clowns and a tang) but I read another source which said having 1 damsel is worse than having multiple because multiple damsels spread the aggression out.

    So what is it? Should I keep 1 damsel or 3 to give the least amount of aggression possible toward other fish? (I also heard keep them only in odd numbers so if anything its going to be 1 or 3, not anymore.) My current damsel is very shy(runs away from me if I walk into the room) and doesn't seem aggressive at all, so I'm afraid of adding anymore and causing more aggression toward my future tank mates. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!
     
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  3. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    1 damsel is fine. Specially yellow tails. I have kept quite a few of them now and they have always been the most timid fish in the tank.
    The odd number is more of a rule for chromis, not yellow tails.
    And besides, you would have 3 damsels ;) Clowns are damselfish ;)
     
  4. oceanparadise1

    oceanparadise1 Fire Squid

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    Each fish is different so theres really no right or wrong answer here to be honest. Looks like your fine thou with the one you have not being agressive.
     
  5. smackrock

    smackrock Coral Banded Shrimp

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    thanks for the quick replies. Yeah I think I'll stick with my 1 damsel ( and 2 clowns, so 3 lol) since he seems to have a good personality. The eye sight on these guys are crazy, he can see me coming from at least 12 feet away, wasn't sure if that was normal.

    Thanks for the input.
     
  6. Jacwil

    Jacwil Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Also...I had 1 YTD..read that they may enjoy the company of more so the same day I went back to LFS and got 2 more...within a week the one had killed the other 2. Now I dunno if I just have a nasty bully or what, but wanted to tell you nonetheless. BTW my YTD is absolutely fine with my tiny Maroon and Clarkii and CBA.
     
  7. smackrock

    smackrock Coral Banded Shrimp

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    oooh well that's good info. Yeah I think I'll stick with one for now. Sorry for your loss, at least they're cheap =D.
     
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  9. Jacwil

    Jacwil Coral Banded Shrimp

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    You're very welcome! Hey I think that is my official first helping post! Look at me go! j/k Nice to not ALWAYS have to ask ?'s :)
     
  10. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    IME, clownfish are more aggressive than blue or YTDamsels... my false clown is a meenie.
     
  11. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    I agree. My damsel is very chill. He gets mad when he feels threatened, but other than that he's very peaceful. My clown is a total butthead! Though I love him very much, he is not nice. He attacks and nips fins. Damsels are like pit bulls, they all get a bad rap, but each one has a different personality and temperament.