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Damsel Question, sys., env. hlth.
4/27/08
Hello. I enjoy reading your posts and some have been very useful. I have a
nano-tank(6Gal), with two blue damsels.
<Misplaced here. Need more room psychologically>
I cycled the tank, checked all my levels, etc. I waited 2 weeks to add the fish
and they have been in there now over a month. The ammonia is nil and the other
levels are within acceptable ranges.
The issue I have is one of the damsels spends a lot of time at the top of the
tank, almost swimming sideways at times. He also appears to have spots on his
side that looks like a human going grey, ie, losing color. He does dart around
pretty good, so it is hard to tell if he is sick. The other damsel does bother
him frequently but I don't see any frayed fins, etc. I cannot locate any
bacteria or other disease that resembles what I am seeing. I am afraid to add a
wrasse or more rock until I know if there is a disease.
<... is environmental to the largest degree...>
Also, as a nano tank, it does get algae quite a bit. I clean it weekly and add
water as needed. Is there anything I can do to keep the growth low and can this
be something that is affecting my damsel?
Thanks for your help.
Dale
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/part2.htm
the second to last tray. This fish, these fish, are mis-placed; cannot live
well/long in such confines. Bob Fenner>
Chrysip-terror (see what I did there? :)
), sel. 4/26/08
Good evening,
The spring has sprung here in the UK, and it's a good time to sit by the tank
with the windows open, birds singing and a nice glass of plonk.
My question is about damsel's, not the weather though.
How many Chrysiptera damsels would co-exist in an 80gal aquarium?
<Of what species? Some can be crowded a bit more than others... That being said,
likely four to maybe six individuals>
They'd be sharing with some tough but non-too-aggressive fish... Papua Toby,
wrasse, royal Gramma.
I have a couple of plans in mind.. Say for example you think 4 or 5 would be the
maximum. Then I'd ideally like to go for something like 1 yellow tail, 1 azure
and 2-3 Talbots, or another similar mix like 2 yellow-tail, 2 Talbots and 1
azure...
Am I crazy or just stupid to think I could have this many damsels in confined
area?
<Mmm, no, not crazy. Make for an interesting display>
Reading through your site I'm struck by the impression that as mean as they can
be to each other (looking at you, Mr Domino), these guys are social animals and
much prefer squaring up to each other than peaceful loneliness...
<Agreed>
I'd really like to do these little gems justice, by getting the right mix and
having an interesting, dynamic display.
Obviously, the tank would be well split up with live rock shaped into caves,
valleys, walls and out-crops.
Anyway, keep up the good work!
Chris
<Thank you for your thoughtful query. Bob Fenner>
Re: Chrysip-terror (see what I did
there? :) ), Damsel sel. – 04/26/08
Thank you so much for your reply Bob.
<Welcome Chris>
Would it be a real dumb move to swap one of those Chrysiptera for a
4-stripe damsel? They're closely related to domino's I understand, and
so could terrorise the others beyond healthy competition?
<Not so much this, but I would not swap out this genus for a
Dascyllus... the latter are social animals... Really need to be kept in
a group... Whereas Chrysiptera are individuals...>
Or do you think the mix and tank set-up could allow them all to function
together?
I only have experience of yellow tail damsels so don't have any idea of
how aggressive these humbugs get.
Cheers
Chris
<Some are true terrors... as you state, the Domino, Hawaii's endemic D.
albisella... BobF>
Re: Chrysip-terror (see what I did
there? :) ) – 04/26/08
Thank you again for your speedy reply Bob, you just have to spend
five minutes on wet web to see how busy you guys are.
<All volunteer... and/good that many folks here live in disparate time
zones, countries... some coverage most all the time, eh?>
With regards to groups of 4-stripe...would that be a possibility in this
tank?
<Mmm, yes... could have a small grouping, let's say 4 or 5
individuals...>
My initial idea of a damsel dominated tank could work with a school of
humbugs instead of a variety of Chrysiptera's...
<Yes... and also very interesting to view>
If it is a possibility then how would I go about structuring it? Would,
say, a small group of 3-4 humbugs work in this size (80g) tank?
<Yes... with two or three principal arrangements of rock, or better
open, arborose skeletons or live corals (Acropora, Pocilloporids,
Poritids...)>
If this is a possibility, would I be sentencing my yellow-tail damsel to
a life of bottom-of-the-pile hell if I stuck him in with the humbugs, or
do you think he'd just get his fair share of normal damsel attitude from
the others in there?
<Likely it would be "the odd fellow out", but survive just the same>
That might be impossible to answer I guess. Maybe better to avoid any
doubt and pack the little guy off elsewhere.
<Best to keep this option open>
Thank you so much for letting me pick your brain on this. I have a long
run-up on getting this tank set up, so am trying to look at it from all
angles and check the pro's and con's of each possible combination.
If you don't mind me asking, if you got the urge and was setting up a
similar tank, what combination of damsels would you go with?
Cheers
Chris
<A tough one... but either of the presented choices would suit my
"palate". Cheers! BobF> |
|
Blue Azure Damsel 3/19/08
Is the Blue Azure Damsel peaceful?
<Somewhat.>
I thought all damsels were aggressive, but
I am hearing the Blue Azure is peaceful. The yellow tail is fine, but the yellow
belly is very aggressive. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks. Steve
<These are generally less aggressive and for the most part peaceful. They are
much more easygoing than say a Domino Damsel. The Blue Azure, Chrysiptera
parasema, is a good choice. Welcome, Scott V.>
Re: Blue Azure Damsel,
Chrysiptera comp., sel. 3/22/08
Scott,
<Hello again Steve.>
Thanks for the response.
<You’re welcome.>
Can I house 2-3 Blue Azure Damsels in a 75 gal.?
<Yes.>
Or is 1 the limit due to space and territory issues?
<These particular Damsels do ok together given enough space and rock work to
hide.>
I have three Green chromis and they get along fine. Not so sure with these
damsels.
<The Damsels themselves would be fine, I would be hesitant to mix them with the
Green Chromis, the Blue Azures will be more aggressive.>
Thanks. Steve
<Welcome, Scott V.> |
Fish Identification... South Seas
Devil Damselfish (Chrysiptera taupou) 9/7/07
Hi Bob!!
<Mich filling in today.>
Hate to bother you once again.
<Not bothering me!>
So I went to the LFS today. I was thinking I would get a couple of
Chromis as my first fish.
<...>
In the tank it was marked assorted Chromis. I picked out a pair.
<This fish is best kept individually.>
They are a royal blue color (think UK wildcats) with a white belly.
There WERE some blue green Chromis in there but I am thinking more and
more these are not what they told me. One of my issues is that I am
intending to have a peaceful community tank. (reason being I REALLY want
a clown later)
<Not with this fish!>
Anyway I have taken a pic of the fish in the hopes you can help me. The
color is not accurate. As I said it is more of a bright blue with a
white belly. You will also notice the black around the eyes as well as
the dot on the back. I have looked all over the web for something
similar and not had any luck.
<Looks like a South Seas Devil Damselfish (Chrysiptera taupou) to me.>
Also if you are able to identify can you tell me more about the
temperament as well as upkeep of this fish.
<Did ya notice the Devil in the common name? That should be a hint!
Heehee! This guy's a little bugger! It can be quite belligerent and
should be kept in a moderately aggressive tank. Unless the two that you
have are a mated pair it is very possible one of these damsels could
bully the other to death.>
Also it is VERY active. LOL. Fun to watch but if they won't be
compatible later on I will have to return them.
<This may be the best choice.>
Thanks again,
<Welcome! Mich>
Melissa
Re: Fish Identification... South
Seas Devil Damselfish (Chrysiptera taupou) 9/7/07
Mich~
<Melissa,>
Thanks so much for your quick reply.
<Welcome!>
Looks like they are going back today. You are indeed correct.
<Ahhh, well, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.>
And no they are not a mated pair they are both male at least according
to the pics I saw of them.
<Yep.>
Also would the blue green Chromis make good fish to get along with my
future clown?
<Mmm, possibly, but it doesn't sound like this fish is really on you
list of desirable tankmates. I'm wondering how long you tank has been
set up, if you're trying to cycle with these fish? If so there are
better ways to cycle your tank with out adding/torturing an innocent
fish. Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/estbiofiltmar.htm
If this is really a desired addition then ok, if not, I would just wait
till you can add the fish you truly desire, such as the clown.>
I'm feeling like I need to take a picture resource with me to ensure
what I am buying is what they are telling me.
<Might I recommend a book to you called "Marine Fishes" by Scott W.
Michael, it's a PocketExpert Guide (read portable) that describes some
of the most common aquarium fish including your little devils ;). I
should also add, in the same series does Ronald L. Shimek call a book
“Marine Invertebrates”. I think you will find these a most handy
addition to your reference library!>
Thanks again,
<Welcome as always!>
Melissa |
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 |
Damsel identity... Rolland's Damselfish &
Black Cap Damselfish = Chrysiptera rollandi 9/6/07
Hi. I recently purchased a Rolland's Damselfish.
<Chrysiptera rollandi>
I have seen pictures on the internet of what looks to be an identical fish
listed as a Black Cap Damselfish. Are these the same fish?
<Yes, just a different common name, one is based on the physical traits, the
other on the scientific name and likely the first person to describe this fish.>
If not, how do they differ?
<They don't.>
Thanks!
<Welcome! Mich>
-Connie
Fish ID at Live Aquaria 8/21/07
Hey There WetWebMedia folks!
<Hello there Rich>
I was wondering if you would concur with this fish ID for a Chrysiptera rollandi
variety at Live Aquaria.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?ddid=23822&siteid=20
<Nice pic... and does appear to be this species:
http://fishbase.org/Photos/ThumbnailsSummary.php?ID=5486>
Even if he is correctly ID'ed I still have found little info about this species
other than the bit on your Chrysiptera page (where the photos as well as the
photos on fishbase.org don't look at all like this fellow).
<I suspect it is about the same as its congeners in care, temperament>
He is a neat looking little fish that I would like to add to my 110 tall FOWLR
that has mostly peaceful, small fish including a purple fire fish, algae blenny,
royal Gramma, a trio of Carpenter's flasher wrasse,1 perc clown,1 PJ cardinal
and I have a Chromis cyaneus in a quarantine tank waiting to go in the big tank.
<This genus members do MUCH better in groups...>
I could easily partition the quarantine tank (20 long) and intro them at the
same time to the main tank.
Is he likely to settle in with my collection or is he better left at LiveAquaria
for somebody else?
Thanks
Rich
<In this sized volume, with the fish species you list, this damsel should do
fine. Chrysiptera spp. can be a bit nippy, bully-ish for their small size, but
if there's room... as it appears here there is... Bob Fenner>
Damsel Fish, Chrysiptera,
Amphiprion, gen. comp. 7/30/07
Hi
<Hello>
I am writing to ask about my damsel fish, I recently started using a different
fish store after the old one was not very helpful and to be honest not too good.
I lost the first set of clowns I put in so I let the tank cycle longer ,added a
few new bits it did not have like extra power heads etc. I went to the store to
get new pair of clowns but I also wanted some think <something> different,
although the old fish store had said not to get damsels because of aggression,
the new one recommend a yellow tail which they had in their tanks and
recommended it as a hardy fish which was less aggressive than the others.
<They are a little less aggressive, but can still be troublesome to timid fish.>
He was fine at first but then he started to bully the clowns at first to the
point they would not eat, but now they are fine, and have been in the tank for
around 5 weeks now and eating normal. But he is still being very territorial
doing the normal territorial things -rubbing up against them, charging at them,
pushing them back when they swim else where.
<Normal behavior for these guys.>
The tank is not a large one, it's around 27 gallons so I'm limited on what I can
put in. I'm getting a yellow goby in the next week or so but my question is will
the damsel fish calm down when there are more fish added and realise that its
not just his tank or will he be the same to all fish and keeping all the
swimming room to him self?
<His behavior shouldn't change.>
He has no main territory apart from behind one rock where he sleeps. And my
second question is my clownfish front stripe sort of looks cracked on top I've
seen this on other clowns before I was wondering if it was just a normal thing
or if their was something wrong?
<Normal. As to the damsel, I'd be returning it. I'm not fond of having damsels
in a community system for the same reasons you
state. James (Salty Dog)>
Hope u can help
Yellowtail Damselfish... solitaire, and
Centropyge in a 35... 7/8/07
Hello WWM Crew!
I have a 35 gallon tank consisting of 20 pounds of LR, one yellowtail Damselfish
and one Ocellaris Clownfish. About 2 weeks ago I added a Coral Beauty.
<Needs more room than this by at least twice>
The Coral Beauty has had no problems eating or interacting with the other fish.
Today when I feed my fish, I noticed the Yellowtail Damsel wasn't eating. As I
watched the Damsel, I noticed part of his lip is losing color. Any suggestions
of what I should do to keep this fish healthy and eating?
Thanks, Ryan.
<Perhaps some sort of negative interaction going on here... And the Damsel is
likely a social species of the genus Chrysiptera... live in groups... Please...
read re these species needs (and all future purchases) on WWM... Systems,
Compatibility especially. You need a larger system, more members... Bob Fenner>
Yellow Tailed Damsel Harassing Royal Gramma 4/23/07
Hi Bob, I love your website. <Hello, Chris here today.> It has been
extremely useful. Thank you. <Welcome from all of us.> I am a long time reader
with a first time question. I have read the FAQ's regarding my problem but I
still felt compelled to ask. I have a 40 gallon breeder reef tank. It has
housed a tomato clown and yellow tailed damsel together for 1 year or so. I
added a Royal Gramma a few days ago and he was immediately harassed by the
damsel. The Gramma has been hiding behind a powerhead nursing a lightly torn up
tail fin. He eats the frozen mysis shrimp when they pass within a few inches of
his powerhead at feeding time, but I have not seen him venture out further than
this. Will he and the damsel ever get along? <Maybe, maybe not.> A gentleman
asked the same question in the FAQ's, only he had a 75 gallon tank. You told
him that everything ought to settle down, and that he could "Leave all in" with
a tank of that size. So now I am wondering, what about a 40 gallon
tank? Otherwise is there anything I could do to ameliorate the
situation? Thank you so much, Tom
<I would give it a couple weeks to a month and see if they can adjust to each
other. This is dependent on the Gramma continuing to eat of course. If this
stops he will have to be removed. Otherwise you could remove the damsel for a
couple of weeks and allow the Gramma to establish himself. This helps sometimes
in situations like this. If none of these work then the two fish will just need
to be permanently separated.>
<Chris>
Damsel/tank (small) (skimmer) question 3/13/07
Good day to all the staff of this wonderful website! I've read this site and
its archives for the past 3 weeks and its been very helpful, got a couple of
questions though. 1. is it true that yellow-tailed damsels lose their
"yellowtail" color when they mature?
<Mmm, not really... actually intensifies under "ideal" conditions... good water
quality, nutrition, social factors...>
how long (is it months or years?) does a damsel of this kind mature?
<Likely just several months... You can look on fishbase.org... and read their
Cartesian graphs re such...>
2. my second question is, i have a 20 gallon with 2 yellow tail damsels and 1
clown
<... too crowded... not healthy, sustainable>
with about 15lbs of live rock, everything is fine and i don't plan on adding
anything more, do i still need a skimmer? thanks in advance!
<I would have, use one, yes. See WWM re... Bob Fenner>
Chrysiptera taupou behavior 1/3/07
Hello Crew, <'Allo, Bruce! Graham with you.>
I'm new to the marine hobby and have started to stock a 29G that was an
established FOWLR tank owned by another person. I have 40 lb.s +- of LR and
plenty of hiding spots.
<Not a very big system. Keep in mind that water is displaced by the hiding
spots. Your 29g can quickly become a 18gal with 40lbs or LR and substrate.>
The first fish was a maroon clown about 1.5" long, followed by a six-line wrasse
about 2" long, and last was what I have identified as a Chrysiptera Taupou;
Village Belle, Fiji Blue Devil, etc.
<Again, this is a small system, probably too small for the damsel & clown.>
I believe the LFS called it a red tailed wrasse,
<Hmm...>
but it perfectly resembles the subject fish in my Atlas. All fish were added
within a 5-day period. The damsel initially showed some aggression to the wrasse
and clown, but after two days things appeared to settle down, although the
damsel was always first at the buffet line.
<I assume that the damsel was not the last?>
Two more days go by and the damsel has apparently terrified the clown as it
spends most of the time in the left top corner near the sump return.
<It sounds very characteristic of damsels of the Chrysiptera designation.
"Devil" should have been a marker for you, but with the LFS's moniker of
Red-tailed Wrasse, you can be forgiven.>
Today I came home from work and the wrasse is dead, and the damsel is doing what
appears to be fanning sand on top of the wrasse with it's tail. Could the damsel
have killed the wrasse?
<Oh, no. Yes, the damsel may have killed the wrasse, but without knowing how
long this system has been up and running, nor what your water conditions are, I
might add that the Six-line (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) would be the first to
go with poor water conditions.>
Does the damsel need to go back to the LFS?
<In all likelihood, yes. You don't have much room, and even less room for stress
triggered by aggression.>
It is very pretty, and everything I read says the clown should be a good match
for it.
<We as hobbyists strive to balance "pretty" fishes with proper selection of
these same specimens with regard to their tankmates and life-support. I think
you will find in short order that, although the Maroon clown (Premnas
biaculeatus) is a tough customer when it has been established in it's
environment and feels secure, it is obviously stressed and the devil is
seemingly taking advantage. (Maroons *are* usually pretty mean to other clowns,
though)>
The next addition was going to be a yellow tang, followed by corals and clams
(I've read that the six-line wrasse is necessary for the clams) and a move into
a 50G within another year or so. I thought I had a good mix of fish. What do you
think?
<I think you need to slow down a bit and do some extensive reading. Nothing bad
can come of your waiting, but many bad things can and likely will result from
hasty decisions. least welcome would be your discouragement from the hobby after
failure.>
Thanks,
Bruce
<You're very welcome Bruce. -Graham T.>
Yellow Tail Damsel 11/21/06
Hello Crew:
I wanted to run a reef stocking question by you. It is a 55 Gallon work in
progress and I am trying to finish the fish list. I currently have 2 Percula
Clown's, 2 Cardinals, and a Yellow Watchman Goby. I would really like to add
either one or a small group of Yellow Tail Damsels. Would this be a problem for
the Cardinals?
<Likely not them... but the Perculas may negatively interact with these other
Damsels in time>
If not how many would you add? I really appreciate any information you can
share. Thank you very much for everything you do.
<Perhaps three... of small size. Bob Fenner>
Adding a Yellow Tail Damsel to a peaceful 55g 11/20/06
Hello Crew:
< Greetings, Emerson with you today. >
I wanted to run a reef stocking question by you.
< No problemo >
It is a 55 Gallon work in progress and I am trying to finish the fish list. I
currently have 2 Percula Clown's, 2 Cardinals, and a Yellow Watchman Goby. I
would really like to add either one or a small group of Yellow Tail Damsels.
< One would most likely be fine. >
Would this be a problem for the Cardinals?
< I have seen cardinals and damsels housed in a 55g with no ill effects. We are
talking about damsels though, and these as with all fish can vary greatly in
temperament from one to the next. >
If not how many would you add?
< I will venture to say that you could add a couple of damsels to your tank,
given that they are of different species. A Yellow tail and a Talbot's would
probably do fine given enough rock to claim as their own. If it were my tank I
would add one damsel and enjoy the show :) >
I really appreciate any information you can share. Thank you very much for
everything you do.
< You are very welcome and I hope the best for you and your tank! >
Yellowtail damsels in a 29? Not advised 9/27/06
Hi Bob. Great website. I just set up a 29gal. saltwater tank with 20 lbs. of
live rocks. I only want Yellowtail Damsels in this tank. Because I know that
they are very hardy and can be in groups.
<Mmm... are feisty with each other though... particularly when/where crowded in
a small volume...>
My question is: How many Yellowtails can I put in my tank? Thank you.
<I would look for other livestock for this small system. Please start reading
here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/smmarsysstkgfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
How many blue devil damsels in a 55G tank? 8/13/06
And don't say zero. :)
<Heeee heeeeee!>
I know people dislike them, and I know why, but they're the reason I got into SW
in the first place. For the last ten months I've had three in my 55G tank, along
with a chocolate chip starfish (eight months), and a few small hermit crabs and
shrimp. All is peaceful; the damsels do snipe at each other occasionally but
it's not serious.
I would like to get a few more. I do not plan to have any other kinds of fish in
the tank - am I able to add more, and if so how many could my tank comfortably
support?
<Mmm, would have to define terms here... but three of the "standard species":
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chrysiptera.htm\
and the files linked above.>
I will, of course, be quarantining them prior to their introduction to the main
tank, and I intend to rearrange all rocks when they go in.
Thanks!
Heather
<Could crowd a bunch more in... but they would eventually reduce their number to
about this. Bob Fenner>
Compatibility/Marine/Blue Devil & Tang, Flame Angel compatibility
2/23/06
Hi Bob and Crew, <Hello Mandy.>
You have a fantastic site and I'm really impressed with your generosity in
giving your time, so firstly thank you! <You're welcome.>
I have a 55G tank
Current inhabitants:
1 yellow tang
1 flame angel
1 sixline wrasse
2 blue-green Chromis
1) I really love the Blue Devil Damsels (Chrysiptera cyanea) and am wondering if
they will be compatible with my yellow tang and flame angel? I would like
to add 1, 3 or 5. <The tang and angel could hold their own but I think the
Chromis' would be picked on.>
2) Will I need to remove the Chromises and sixline - are they compatible with
the Blue Devils?
3) Would the Yellow-Tail Blue Damsel (Chrysiptera parasema) be a better option?
<Yes, much less aggressive than the Blue Devil and do not grow quite as large.>
Previous research:
I posted a thread on the forum and unfortunately didn't get a definitive answer:
http://wetwebfotos.com/talk/thread.jsp?forum=2&thread=34311&tstart=0&trange=15
I also researched WWM:
Damsel compatibility http://www.wetwebmedia.com/damselcompfaqs.htm
Chromis compatibility http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chromcompfaqs.htm
Damsels http://www.wetwebmedia.com/damsels.htm
Chrysiptera Damsels http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chrysiptera.htm
I am a long-time reader, first-time emailer, and would very much appreciate your
professional input.
Thank you so much for your time. <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Mandy
Australia
Orange tail damsel - 1/6/06
Hello and Happy New Year, <Thank you and the same to you>
I first wanted to say that your website is great and I really appreciate all the
hard work you guys put into it. <Our thanks> I am actually returning to the
hobby after a two year hiatus. I have a 24 gallon nanocube with about forty
pounds of beautiful aquacultured Florida live rock that is teaming with life.
I'm trying to keep something low maintenance, so will not be keeping corals,
except those that came with the live rock, and sponges and macroalgae! Well my
question goes to stocking this tank. It will mainly be an invertebrate tank with
crabs and shrimp and feather dusters, but for a fish I think I've narrowed it
down to a Orangetail blue damsel, Chrysiptera cyanea. I want to keep one male
and 2-3 females if this is feasible in this size aquarium. I would also like to
keep some sort of goby, possibly a red-head goby, or clown goby. Wondering if
this selection will work, or if you have any other suggestions.
<David, three of the damsels is all I would keep in this tank. They do attain a
length of three inches and as they age they become more aggressive, constantly
defending their territory. I don't believe the gobies would fair too well with
them. James (Salty Dog)>
Thank you very much,<You're welcome>
David
Frisky fishes 10/5/05
Hello,
My question is about the 2 yellow tailed damsels I have.
Apparently they turned into a mating pair after buying from the LFS.
After about a month of being in the tank the female started laying eggs,
about 4 or 5 broods now, and they keep getting fertilized and hatching,
though I'm sure all the fry get eaten or sucked into filtration, and those
who dodge that bullet probably starve, so my question is...are all these
dying fry having any sort of effect on my tank parameters? She lays new
eggs about once a week, On advice from my LFS I tried lowering the water
temp, but that didn't seem to discourage them from breeding, and I'm sure
if I took out the fake plant she likes to lay them on, she would just
lay them somewhere else, I would like to take a stab at breeding, but
not with damsels, not worth most of the effort in the long run, seeing
as how they are only $3.99 at the LFS, and I have read that damsel fry
are hard to raise because they are so small. but any words of wisdom to
curb my "spunky" fishes desire would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Jessica
<No need to worry. You have a deli in your tank. Most if not all will be eaten
as snacks providing some extra nourishment for your fish. Shouldn't have any
effect on your water parameters, no more so than uneaten food in your
tank. James (Salty Dog)>
Orange tailed Damsel
I have had an orange tailed damsel (Chrysiptera cyanea) for at least 5 years
(no idea how old he was when I got him). He is in a 180 gal reef tank. Over
the past year or so he seems to have gone through a transformation of sorts,
now all of his fins are orange (or have orange on them and his whole body is
flecked with orange. I attributed that to him going through some sort
of
super-male phase (do damsels do that).
<Mmm, not as far as I'm aware... but this species does "color up"
become more orange with age, growth>
lately however there is a further development
- his head is expanding in the area above and behind his eyes. This expansion
appears to be symmetrical (left to right), but is to the point that the
scales are raised. He almost looks like some of the fancy goldfish
with the
growths on their head. Behavior appears to be normal. Any idea what
is going on
here?
<Well, damsels and many other fishes do get more "girthy" in the
head region with time... but this may be pathological. Bob Fenner>
Damsel ID
Crew:
Can you help me identify this Damsel? He looks like a
couple of species, and I cannot "decide" which one it
is. I am thinking Chrysiptera hemicyanea, but maybe
Pomacentrus auriventris or P. caeruleus? I need more
convincing. If it is C. hemicyanea, does the nickname
"Demoiselle" suggest it is dainty or gentle?
<Just small... but this is a more than average easy-going damsel
species>
("TONIGHT AT 11, A NEW DAMSEL SPECIES, THE 'DAINTY
DAMSEL' WAS DISCOVERED! IT IS YELLOW AND WEARS A LONG
DRESS!") Thanks, Rich.
<Mmm, nice pic of a Chrysiptera hemicyanea. Pls see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/chrysiptera.htm
Bob Fenner> |
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Re: Fiji damsel
>Hi Marina (and crew of course)
>>Good morning, Connie!
>I read your response today to someone telling them about one of your fishes,
a Fiji damsel. I have checked all the suppliers on line that I know
about and haven't found any info. Could you tell me where you
acquired this pretty fish???
>>Oh my, that would have been Bob's department, as I'd never seen the fish
until I worked with him some ten years ago or so. They came in a
shipment he'd ordered, but I'm going to do a quick search and see what I can
find. Ok, so far I'm finding that the pink and yellow damsel I have
been calling "Fiji" is something else entirely from what most others
are calling "Fiji"! O! Lament the common names! But
I'm not finished yet.
>Thanks so much for your help, Marina. Connie
>>You're welcome, now let's see what I can find for you! Here's
something close, but it's not the same fish http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Neoglyphidodon&speciesname=nigroris
>>Here's a pretty one, but not the one I was talking about...BOB! LOL http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Chrysiptera&speciesname=bleekeri
>>This one demonstrates the posterior dorsal fin spot, but on the animal
I'm thinking of it wasn't ringed, still, beautiful http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Pomacentrus&speciesname=vaiuli
>> http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Chrysiptera&speciesname=rex
>>Well, that's it for my search. We'd have to ask Bob if he
remembers this little fish at all, because I've now spent the better part of 45
minutes with no luck finding the exact fish I remember, nothing even *quite*
close. I am very sorry, too! Marina
Re: Fiji damsel
>Dear Marina:
Thanks for all your research - I really do appreciate it. I liked two
of them, the pink damsel and the Bleeker damsel. Getting them will be
really hard, as most dealers don't want to special order damsels, I have found.
>>Correct. But, I now have this bug up my butt, I really want
to know what kind of damsel that was that we got in all those years
ago! I think it's time to head down to Discount Tropical and get a
hold of old Tracy's bible! Marina
Damsel in distress question?
Hi There, I just started up a 12G saltwater tank with 10 lbs. of
live rock and two yellow-tail blue damsels
<! this species needs a good ten, fifteen gallons per... in a larger
system>
(the tank was cycling without them for a month prior). My question
concerns one of the damsels as it stays in the bottom corner of the tank and
every time it tries to venture out, the other damsel chases it back to the
corner. Yesterday it was hiding in the top corner of the tank and
looked as though a goner, but I guess it was just sleeping. Is he
sick and the other damsel is just picking on him, and should I rearrange the
rocks so they can redefine their territory? Thanks a lot, Jon
<There's not enough room for such redefinition. I would remove one of them
pronto. Bob Fenner>
Fish Disease
Hello to You:
<Greetings to you!>
I have attached 2 photos of my male Blue Devil Damsel (is that right?).
<I'm going out on a limb and saying that I think it's a female Chrysiptera cyanea (blue devil>
He has some stuff on the base of the fin, and now on the edge of the same fin.
He seems to be using that fin less than the "healthy" one kind of
swimming in circles - HAHA - just kidding.
<The two items mentioned above are what's concerning me. If he isn't using
the fin something is wrong. Ich (Cryptocaryon) is spots that look like salt. Not
likely in this case. Marine velvet (Amyloodinium) looks more like tufts of
cotton or a covering of cotton. IMO this is what I think I see on your fish. I
can't be positive from this distance. If she's been scratching or glancing
against objects, this will give a clue that it may be a parasite>
I needed a little laugh in this time of grief, as this is my first illness, and
maybe death,
<She isn't dead yet!>
in these early months of the hobby. Any identification?
<I don't get too freaked out about small places on fins because they can have
accidents from time to time that will make the fins have small places that
become less than translucent. These places sometimes come from other fish taking
a bite or normal damage while swimming around the tank. Having written this,
frequently fins are the first place that parasites will attach and become
visible: especially ich>
I just moved him to QT: of course I have a couple of crabs & snails in QT at
the moment.
<If he is infected, you are increasing the chances that the snails and crabs
(while immune to the effects of ich or velvet) can be carriers of a disease>
That limits treatment, right?
<No copper with snails and crabs>
I appreciate your help more than any LFS, because you don't take my money (CMA
notwithstanding, but that was a steal anyway!) Thanks, Rich.
<Check your CMA book for directions on giving treatments for Amyloodinium.
Then check the website for the same. At least do a freshwater bath with formalin
or Methylene blue (see CMA or WWM for directions) and possibly start a copper
treatment. If you do copper you won't be able to put invertebrates in the QT any
longer. Read and decide for yourself what will work best. Good luck! David
Dowless>
Chrysiptera
<<Greetings,>>
Hi, I found your page by an accident (a nice accident)
Please if you can I will appreciate if you can get me out of this doubt? I
bought two damselfish, the first one I'm pretty confident that is a
Chrysiptera cyanea, but the second one I'm not sure, because the name is the
yellow tail damsel (and looks like), but when I was surfing the net and for my
surprise, in different places I found the same photograph for both of these
fishes: Chrysiptera hemicyanea and Chrysiptera parasema. There are 2 yellow tail
damsels?? If there are, how can I know the differences?
<<Well, Fishbase has the Chrysiptera hemicyanea as the Azure damsel, and
the photo they have does not show a yellow tail. Here's their link:
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=6919&genusname=Chrysiptera
&speciesname=hemicyanea
And of course, the Chrysiptera parasema is the yellow-tail damsel as you
identified:
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=12448&genusname=Chrysiptera
&speciesname=parasema
The pictures you saw on the Internet were likely mixed up.>>
Thanks for your time
Carlos Díaz (Guatemala, Central America)
<<Cheers, J -- >>
Feeding Tangs
Thank you very much for your prompt answer, now I'm sure it is a Chrysiptera
parasema. Another question...With the damsels I bought a Tang (Zebrasoma ). It attacked all the green hair algae. If he (or she) is still eating at that rate, my tank will be free of green hair algae in just a few days more... my question is: Then, what am I going to give him (or her) to eat?
<Please look at the writings on WWM concerning Surgeonfishes. -Steven Pro>
Re: Yellowtail Damselfish
I have a problem with both my damsels. One keeps attacking the other one.
<Very typical with many species of Damselfishes... territorial generally. Sometimes keeping them in odd numbers lessens the damage to just one in "even number" settings. You might try adding another individual if there's room, placing more habitat (e.g. live rock)... otherwise it would be prudent to remove the one getting beaten>
I would like to keep one of them, but would like to get another fish. Do
you have any suggestions? I started my tank only 2 weeks ago.
<Please read through the "Livestocking" sections on our site: WetWebMedia.com ... There is much "going back and forth" we'd have to go through to inform you. For instance, you provide little information on how large your system is, its make-up... All important factors in such determinations>
Oh yeah, this might be a silly question, but is it dangerous if a fish mates
with other species within the same genus?
<Dangerous? No. Generally will not result in viable offspring. Bob Fenner>
Thank you.
Yellowtail Damselfish
Hi there. I was wondering if you could tell me how I can tell a male
yellowtail damsel from a female yellowtail damsel?
<little dimorphism... no reliable sexing I know for the laymen>
Is there any other type of damsel that would mate with the yellowtail?
<hopefully not, but I suspect so (other species within the genus). Please don't encourage it. Anthony>
Thank you. Cindy
Damsel in Distress
Mr. Fenner:
<<JasonC here, Bob is in the tropics somewhere... >>
Thank you again for taking the time to answer questions. I have a 165g tank with
45lbs of live rock and 20lbs of red porous rock. Will continue to build up the
rockscape as budget allows. I only have three Yellow Tailed Blue Damsels
(Chrysiptera parasema) and one South Seas Devil (Chrysiptera taupou) in the
entire tank. Have had these fish for 2 weeks and was using them to get the cycle
going. The yellow tailed seemed to chase each other periodically but only for a
brief spurt. My LFS thought that a 165 was large enough to allow these fish to
each have space. <<the tank surely is, but the actual cover [rock work] is
perhaps a little sparse for a tank of this size at the moment.>>
However, after the water change two days ago the smallest yellow tailed, about 1
2" others 2", spends most of the light period behind the CPR
overflow U section. It never did that before. <<most likely his first
water change... >> Then when the lights turn to the blue only (to simulate
dusk / dawn) it comes down and swims around. I feed these fish twice a day
(flakes in am, brine shrimp in pm) and they gobble it all up. <<always a
good sign>>
Will this damsel thrive in this set up? <<the individual or the
group?>> Do I need more hiding places? <<yes>> Should I feed
more to possibly cut down on the other damsels chase spurts? <<probably
wouldn't actually have the desired result - more energy to chase...>> Or
should I try to take the fish out? <<more live rock will help. In a group
of three like this, you end up with one being the low man on the totem-pole.
More cover will help this, but most likely this one will always seem to be the
most chased after, rock or not. Have kept three of these myself - sounds very
familiar. Cheers, J -- >>
Thank you again for your thoughts.
Steve
Re: algae
Thanks Bob. Good news. My son has received one of your books already ' the
conscientious' etc. I guess the next will follow soon. By Christmas I should
have them all. I will follow Your advise and keep You posted. I found out
that I have a lot of friends on the islands that could supply me with live
rock and live sand if necessary. They are all excited about my final setup.
Is it a good idea to put ' Caulerpa ' or turtle grass in the tank?
<Caulerpa spp. are excellent, Turtle Grass is actually not easy to keep... for it you really need a very large system... or even a separate sump for culture>
I might
get that myself. I will send You photos and keep You updated. It seems that I
never run out of questions. Sorry. If You ever happen to come this way, make
sure You contact me before hand. Tel/fax: 504 442- 2713
<Ah! Will do so my friend. Haven't been back to your part of the world for a few years.>
The question
about the 'Chrysiptera parasema ' is that it costs only about a third of an
ocellaris!! But I don't want to start with a damsel that doesn't allow
another fish in the tank afterwards! Always at your service. Bernd
<This type of "yellow-tail blue demoiselle" is actually pretty easy going... mellow enough to go with most all:
http://wetwebmedia.com/chrysiptera.htm
Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>
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