Feel Bad

jcdillin · 03-13-2008, 01:14 PM

So it finally happened to me, my domino damsel decided that it was time to be a brat. He was fine with the addition of 2 fish but the 3rd he beat the living crap out of. So I ended up catching him and putting him in my refugium temporarly untill the newcomer can get used to the tank. If I leave the domino in the fuge for a week and then put him back what are the chances he'll start up again on the same fish?

I really can't leave him in there due to the fact it's only like 7 gallons and he gives me the saddest looks when I feed him at night. Along with that he is a really cool and personable fish.

aquaboy · 03-13-2008, 01:15 PM

rearrange rock in tank to destroy territorial boundaries and then allow to to return to tank. shouldnt mess with them after that. but then a gain, damsels are badd-@$$.

phoenixhieghts · 03-13-2008, 01:18 PM

They are evil!!! throw him down the toilet!!

Well he could forget his territory, and leave the fish alone. Then again, they are evil and he could just want to kill it for the sake of it.

Another trick is to move the contents of the tank all around, so it looks like a different place, again the fish lose their territory.
But my advice - get rid

jcdillin · 03-13-2008, 01:21 PM

Well I had thought of rearranging everything, but I figured putting him in the fuge would accomplish the same thing, especially if he is in there for a week or two. That way I wouldn't have to freak everyone else out in the process.

I don't have the heart to flush him even if he is a mean lil bugger. I'm going to ask my lfs if they will take him.

baugherb · 03-13-2008, 01:26 PM

Good Idea!!! Hope it works out!!!!

ReefSparky · 03-13-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcdillin

I'm going to ask my lfs if they will take him.

You answered your own question.

Damsels are full of piss and vinegar, a characteristic many admire. They don't take guff from any fish, and often are the ones who dish it out. Unfortunately this behavior is undesireable on a small scale reef in an aquarium.

It took me many years to "get over" this simple fact, but when it comes right down to it, to my opinion, all inhabitants of my tank MUST get along well. Damsels don't contribute to this overall scenario.

My last damsel got popeye. I felt much less guilty about flushing him right down the toilet. Now that he's gone, my 4x2x2 is a nicer place for the residents. I have 2 Banggai cardinals who are model citizens. They probably couldn't endure the abuse sure to be dealt by bullies such as damsels. I'm happy to say they'll never have to.

omard · 03-13-2008, 03:01 PM

RE:

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenixhieghts

They are evil!!! throw him down the toilet!!

Well he could forget his territory, and leave the fish alone. Then again, they are evil and he could just want to kill it for the sake of it.

Another trick is to move the contents of the tank all around, so it looks like a different place, again the fish lose their territory.
But my advice - get rid

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaboy

rearrange rock in tank to destroy territorial boundaries and then allow to to return to tank. shouldnt mess with them after that. but then a gain, damsels are badd-@$$.

Repost from another thread (FOTM - March '08 - Jewel Damsel )

Quote:

Originally Posted by reef_guru

jewel damsels are evil and very territorial
and it will change color as it gets older

No fish is "evil" -- just the people are that try to mix incompatible species or place in an inappropriate environment.

Damsels seem to carry a disputable reputation which is way overstated in my experience.

Too bad, as many overlook very cool fish which are generally very hardy and inexpensive.

I have four in main tank that bother no other fish (unless they try to trespass in the damsels little cove they have staked out in far corner of tank.) Other fish respect that area and steer clear, except for CB which goes there just for the fun of chasing them about. When wandering about tank the damsels are gregarious, easy going fish.

The jewel was perfect addition to Nano occupied by two very aggressive percs. Gets along with them fine now, after being chased about 1st day or so by the two early occupants. Only gets in trouble if it wanders too close to the anemone.

Moral I guess,

Be careful keeping damsels with other docile fish.

Give plenty of living/swimming room when sharing tank with a number of other species.

Add to tank as juveniles if possible...

If adding several, try to do together.

Rearrange tank if they start to annoy other fish...

Don't overlook!

[

Damsel with Flame Wrasse (one of the most docile fish you could have in tank)

Damsels: A very, very cool and beautiful fish with lots of character. --- great inhabitant in the right tank.

Froc3 · 03-13-2008, 05:26 PM

I would consider putting another in my tank now just because i have a pretty bold tank now, however, when added first they can develop quite a large territory in my experience. Mine didn't like the shrimp when they were added so they didn't make it very long between him and the anemone taking a few. I would try to give him back to the LFS or move a few rocks around once the new addition gets happy in the tank. It could be just a case of establishing the pecking order in the tank. Because your CB is the top dog your damsels don't bother much. In his tank the damsel might be the top dog.

Evan.