Blue Damsel problem

Hi All,

The first fish i put in my tank was a Yellowtail Blue Damsel. I know, bad choice, but I did it. Well, I bought a 6 Line Wrasse and as soon as I put him in there the Yellowtail started nipping at him. So I put him in the bag the Wrasse was in from the store and right now he's clipped to the inside of the tank.

So, is there anyway I can get these 2 to get along? How long can I leave the Damsel in the bag? (will he be alright until tomorrow when I can take him to the LFS)

Thanks

 

Do you have a lot of hiding places in the rocks? I would turn the lights out and let them get acquainted to one another. Territorial issues with newcomers is not uncommon. Give them a few days to work it out. If it is still bad, or gets so bad you think the six line will be killed, then remove the damsel and take him to the LFS. But I would let them try to work it out first.

 

I would like to know how you caught the yellow tail damsel....especially with rock in the tank. Congrats on that! Many have tried and failed that task!!!

Do you have a smaller tank you can keep the damsel in overnight perhaps even a 1 gallon tank would work ....they are really hardy fish and he should be fine until the morning.

 

LOL... I had to take some of the rock out to get him. I was determined to get him away from the Wrasse.

Nope, I don't have another tank to put him in. Do you think overnight is too long to leave him in the bag? It's either that or like someone else replied just see if they can get along.

 

A bag may be pushing it...but you may get lucky! I dont know if I would seal the bag either.

How about a large bowl, maybe you can float it or prop it up in the tank somehow and maybe put some egg crate over it so the damsel doesnt try to jump out!

 

I have a yellowtail blue damsel and a sixline wrasse also. My damsel was in the tank first and when the sixline was added he was real small. They had a few small skirmishes at the beginning but now they keep to themselves. They are in a 75 gallon and can keep to themselves fairly easy. (Lots of live rock). How big is your tank?

 

do what I just did! tear down the tank, then put the pump without strainer in temporary tank! it didnt take but a few minutes and I hear a buzzing sound. well thats half of my damsel problem gone.

 

djbonney138, I have a 24g Nano Cube. I turned the lights off and put the Damsel back in. I couldn't find the Wrasse and got scared and move the rocks. He was hiding really well so I couldn't see him. When the lights are off, the Damsel is always at the top either near the outlet nozzle or the inlet. I'm hoping they well make it through the night a play well together tomorrow.

 

My damsel stays pretty high in the water column while the wrasse is always cruising in and out of the rocks. Maybe this behavior will allow them to live together. I do know that damsels are very territorial though yellowtail blue damsels are less aggressive than say dominoes and more aggresive than chromis. If 24 gal is too small of an area for the damsel you may have trouble down the road because they get more aggresive with age I think. Good luck

 

since you are already moving your rocks, you might rearrange them. i hear that this will help with the territorial issue.