Are damsels killers?

[Fishmom]

I just bought a cleaner shrimp and my damsel keeps picking at it. My question is... Can he actually kill the shrimp?

[RayAllen]

yes it can kill the shrimp. To answer your question damsels are not killers just a little mildly aggressive. Any species of fish can pick on inverts.

[Fishmom]

Darnit! I was afraid of that, now I know who killed my last cleaner shrimp. He did'nt last 2 days. Thank you!

[erikharrison]

Not only will they kill shrimp, but they will harass fish ten times their size. Napoleon Syndrome.

[Fishmom]

And to think I got rid of a beautiful Koran Angelfish for that #%%head! He's on the for sale/trade forum. I don't like bullys in my tank!

[erikharrison]

Yeah, every fish I put in my tank my three stripe would harass. He is now in the sump, and happy to be alone I presume!

[z28pwr]

I learned the hard way and had to teardown a 180 gallon tank to catch a 1" freakin damsel that was beating up on everybody.

[RayAllen]

IMO, damsels have a reputation that is a little overthere top. their rep is actually worse than their bite ;)

[JimD]

Ill only say this once, its always a good idea to research before you buy...

[RayAllen]

Agree 100% Jim. Dominos and 3 striped I think are the worse. They seem to be the ones that you here about reaking havoc in people tanks.

[erikharrison]

I did enjoy my blue devil... Very flashy fish. I have thought about adding them as a school in my tank, but not too sure if anyone else has had a bad experience with them? Mine was about as good a fish as you can get.

[RayAllen]

In a 125+ I would do it, but anything smaller.. I dont know. Im probably will in my 210g. They do make a flashy display of color.

[erikharrison]

Why in a 125+? Where you refrencing their territorial nature?

[RayAllen]

Exactly, I think in a 4ft tank they may be a little more territorial than they would be in a 6ft long tank. But with that said a friend of mine had a 4ft tank with only damsels and it made a interesting tank to watch. Constant movement and chasing. Trial and error right, I just dont like the idea of taking apart rock work to catch troublesome fish.

[erikharrison]

Me Either. :)

[Darth-Tater]

We had a velvet damsel once as it got bigger it ate my zoas and killed fish. Then he went to wolf Reef. no more problems

[aquasport24]

A large lionfish will solve the problem..

[tony]

ill never own another

[erikharrison]

I think damsels are like a "snipe hunt" lol. HERE YA GO NEWBIE, PUT THIS IN YOUR TANK!

[Fishmom]

Ok, does anyone want him??? He's free!!! I really want to get rid of him asap and I don't want to feed him to my cat like hubby suggested!

[JimD]

Take him back to your lfs.

[crossxfire2]

yes it can kill the shrimp. To answer your question damsels are not killers just a little mildly aggressive. Any species of fish can pick on inverts.

WRONG! My damselfish have teamed up and killed 3 fish that were living in my 55! They are very aggressive, and when it comes to food and such, they can and will kill other fish their size or slightly bigger. Trust me.

[crossxfire2]

I did enjoy my blue devil... Very flashy fish. I have thought about adding them as a school in my tank, but not too sure if anyone else has had a bad experience with them? Mine was about as good a fish as you can get.

Don't do it man. Its not worth it. They will eventually kill each other. I can guarantee it. Mine were in a 55 gallon.

[Mr Cob]

I'm going to create a "Mini Damsel Harpoon", it will shoot toothpicks at the unwanted damsels so that you do not have to tear down your tank to catch them.

I've been trying to catch one 3 stripe 2incher for over three months now. I have tried everything!!! He is really ****sssing me off! I want to move to tangs and peaceful fish for my 120gal and he is keeping me from it.

I caught the other 10 damsels with no problems...but this little dude is a master! Just wait until my harpoon is done!:bareteeth:

[jehudson]

you invent the harpoon ... I'll buy one. I've got a few to get rid of as well:)

[Mr Cob]

you invent the harpoon ... I'll buy one. I've got a few to get rid of as well:)

Sweet!

LOL...

[crossxfire2]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/fish_trap.php

[jehudson]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/fish_trap.php

bummer ... I was hoping you'd found instructions for the harpoon.

[Mr Cob]

bummer ... I was hoping you'd found instructions for the harpoon.


LMAO!

[cavipower1]

bummer ... I was hoping you'd found instructions for the harpoon.

lol forreal

[copperband]

not all damsels are killers

[cowboy572]

I agree damsels are killers. Today I brought home a small maroon clown for my 55gal, a blue devil nearly killed it. So before a "el cheapo" damsel decided to pick on to death I got him out of my tank. I hope my maroon makes it through the night, so any help saving help will greatly be appreicated.

[copperband]

i agree most damsels are killers cowboy572 but the exception are chromises

[jehudson]

i agree most damsels are killers cowboy572 but the exception are chromises

I agree ... my favorite LFS (I'd probably even take advice on raising my kids, I like em so much), recommends green chromis and openly disparages damsels if one wants to keep other kinds of fish. Unfortunately I didn't know of my favorite LFS when I bought 4 damsels from a pet store :mad:.