The Truth About DAMSELFISH - Livestock Series

Do Damselfish deserve their bad reputation? In this episode, we dive into the many different varieties of Damselfish, reviewing the sizes and temperaments of these hardy fish and sharing which fish changed our mind about adding them to our tank. We also touch on cycling your tank with Damselfish and why it isn't necessary anymore.
PRO TIP:
► Add Rolland's Damsels Last!
► Add all Roland's Damsels at the same time.
► Only one type of damsel per tank.
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[@nikitamila]

Personally, I really like my yellowtail damsel. As a beginning reefer on a super budget, they serve as fun, cheap fish that add a lot to my tank.

[@jeddwyer2127]

When you said not one but five damselfish you put six of them on screen not five lol

[@tylerjaax4917]

Too funny.... haha.

[@detomaso_6235]

"This is my 30 gallon tank." Shows 500 gallon tank. "This guy is safe with all inverts." Shows 18" Clown Trigger. "Safe with small fish." Shows 2 foot grouper.

[@a2thek914]

This. I was questioning the credibility of the rest of the video. I will be looking somewhere else for my research on damselfish for my reef tank. Downvoted.

[@lunes-1]

I love my fish because are strong&healthy and get along well,no fights💕🐟 Been running my 85 gallons tank 6 months and have 8 fish: -Green/blue metallic chromis -Cardenal fish -Regal Blue Damsel -Blue Chromis -Chalk Goby(white) -Fired Fish(cream) -Six line Wrasse -Clown Fish They have generous space to move.I feed them one day yes,following day nothing,and so on.Good video👍

[@kiLLjoy24CALI]

Because they're Dam-Selfish

[@imtherandom1-780]

Yes its true. I had two damselfish and on the second day together one killed the other.

[@stevenvalencia9211]

I have a Damsel which is territorial. It is three-striped and was added last. This video is very informative and easy to understand. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together.

[@williamarden5441]

I won't lie! Damsels are one of my favorite saltwater fish!

[@Y0oisaac]

Same

[@rhinot7269]

@@Y0oisaac what when did I comment on this

[@karennation3580]

@@rhinot7269 Haha. I am a damsel lover too! Most underrated fish ever!

[@lukemilne6922]

Very insightful. Unfortunately added some Bicolour damsels to my tank after it's first (and only) crash. They were so aggressive they killed two anthia's and two chromis's. Great to know there is a type that is friendly. Would be great to see a video on clean up crew, ie example set ups with peppermint shrimp or red banded shrimp or other awesome invertebrates.

[@holyworrier]

I kept a saltwater aquarium back in the '80s. I had yellowtail, blue and zebra damselfish, as well as tangs and mandarin gobies. The yellowtail would chase the smaller blue. After a while, I started noticing that when the yellowtail seemed to be about to catch the blue, it would come to an abrupt stop and float upwards for a few seconds, as if stunned. I wondered if the blue was releasing some invisible defensive chemistry that was responsible for the yellowtail's behavior. Have you ever seen this happen in your tank? Best wishes!

[@karennation3580]

Maybe he was playing dead! lol

[@nighthawk3378]

Shout out to Spikey, a loving but tough little dude straight from the Hood....so caring n militant

[@NesseJ]

Just got two springers i really love them didnt know they decinate flatworms but great news to me thank you!

[@bastos2702]

I have had a pair Yellow Tails for over 12 years with a GSM . they each have their little territory. Fun to watch when lights come on they come together knock around tank flutter at each other.

[@TheFloridaprepper]

I've never had an issue with the common blue or yellowtail damsels. I've even had 3-stripe damsels for several years at a time and they have never been a problem with clownfish or the smaller damsels. Might chase now and then, but not constantly.

[@Bc.20]

I put a springeri with a orangtail in my 60 gallon cube and they get along with plenty of rock to hide in

[@deadsakurastar]

More of these style videos pleaseee

[@SimplyReefing]

I just added 3 roland and 2 blue head pink damsels a weeks ago and they are doing great far less aggressive than the others mentioned in the beginning

[@kingjohndavidsr9720]

The blue green reef chromis are the best👍🏾

[@autasticreefing211]

I have 2 yellow tail first fish I put in my 300L they share with 2 clowns. A 6 line, 2 tangs, wreck fish and Ive never seen any aggression. I'm temped to add some more

[@TheChemisch]

Each fish is unique. I bought an Azur "kupang" Damsel fish and he's the sweetest guy. My first and favorite fish but to be fair I only have a coral beauty and a bonded pair of clowns for him to compete with.

[@TheHemiphil81]

My fiji devil damsels were so mean i put them in my sump..lol and they are doing well.

[@horseluver2509]

The Threespot/Domino is my favourite fish! I don't have an aquarium or anything, I just think they're neat :)

[@krishnar1182]

Would Rolland’s damsels fight with chromis? Thanks!

[@BahamaLlamaCoral]

Great video!! I had no idea the Rollands Damselfish even existed. Got a little sticker shock but let's be honest, nothing in the saltwater hobby is cheap.

[@Saltwateraquariumdotcom]

Bahama Llama Coral keep in mind the ones I showed on Divers Den are for quarantined and conditioned specimens. They can be had for less if you’re willing to buy non-quarantined and conditioned fish

[@BahamaLlamaCoral]

@@Saltwateraquariumdotcom Good to know!! Thanks Mark!

[@superdragon3060]

@@Saltwateraquariumdotcom there are many types of damsels in my friends 300g reef from 2-5" they all get along but probably because there is so much space

[@karljoseph4766]

Marc your damselfish are very beautiful a good choice and your reef tanks very well maintained. the hobby off saltwater and tank is an expensive one at least people should put a beautiful fish in there tank it’s always nice to own a special fish or a special coral and to be different from other very often you see most people have yellow tang or regular clowns fish or the wall off rock in there tank good video 👌👌 👌

[@superdragon3060]

there are many types of damsels in my friends 300g reef from 2-5" they all get along but probably because there is so much space

[@cameroncarter3253]

You only mention a few that bite, they all bite me, in my experience, clowns bite the most. I still keep damsels in all my tanks. Some of my favorite fish, love how they hide in sps and you can’t deny that color. Probably not recommended for beginners or people who don’t know what they are getting into.

[@pogiguy0533]

I've had a couple of small Blue Sapphire Damsels and they stay away from each other and like you said are shy. Usually run and hide when you come by to check.

[@inventoryking]

Starcki Damsels are one that I really like and want. Would you recommend adding them last like mentioned? You did say you wouldn't risk it.

[@st1922]

Considering a SW tank. In 15 gallons, would a yellowtail damsel (if introduced last) harass an occelatus clownfish and a fire goby?

[@Fifthimagez]

Great info awesome video

[@FECtetra1918]

1 - Yellow tails are very mean! Mine bites my finger every time I have to put my hands into the water! 2 - Roland's are very peacefull! To to the point where they're easily harassed by other damsels. 3 - Talbots are pretty peacefull too! Not as much as the previous, but they won't bother other fish.

[@berniemadina6145]

Great video 👍👍👍👍👍👍Thank you .

[@nwyk153]

I find the Talbot's is the most friendliest.

[@ReeferGil]

Marc, great spot light on a great fish!

[@andibandi1190]

I had Yellow Tail Damsels and they started killing each other. I proceeded by successively giving away the most agressive ones, until I was left with only one🤡

[@turtlepowerinahalfshell5608]

Here is the thing i went to my local pet store when i ask for this damsel yellow belly and blue they said, salt water fish are the same as cichlids they are aggressive you take the chance. Im new at saltwater fish i got one cardinal pijama, starry blenny, damsel, 2 clowns, snails and hermi crabs so they didn't help me to choose something that they coexist with no agression so this little damsel end up killing the coral beauty fish that i got was sad. I just subscribe to this channel it would be nice if you make a video with a comparison of what type of fish can go together without problem so we can buy fish knowing. Nice channel and thanks for all the info really helpful

[@josephposada1830]

Lol 🤣 I have 2 of those mean little Sh*#$ts in my quarantine tank.

[@Peterrdee]

I have a yellowtail and he’s the smallest In my tank, I named him mr peeps and he gets picked on a lot but as a damsel he can handle it

[@BiggestOnce5972]

I used to have a stripy damself fish, a spotted black damselfish, and a yellow tail damselfish. now I only have the yellow tail Damsel becasue the others died

[@Gmtail]

Damselfish are amongst my favorite fish, even in the ocean while diving. They are super colorful, super cheap and super hardy. They are also active if you want a very busy tank.. Yes, some are major dicks but if you're doing a tank on purpose with just them they can really make a cool tank, just need to use common sense with them.. I had a Dusky Damselfish attack my fingers this past summer while diving. I was at least 3 feet away from his area but the little dude wasn't having any parts of it.. lol.. Was neat to watch something so little have such a huge personality.

[@dirtyprinz224]

Yep I got them I love them they scared compared to my clown fish

[@karennation3580]

I have a figi blue devel left alone in a 36 gallon for a few months! What the hell do I do now? He was fine when I had other fish but I got very sick and last fish died!

[@jakespeed5337]

Where can I see the episodes you did at Terrance’s reef tank?

[@thatfishguy4991]

Isn’t the garibaldi the largest of the damsels? It’s not common in the trade but you can still find it.

[@novemharrison4524]

Yellow tail blue damsel fish are good for bigginers

[@ianscoralreef8265]

Love your information ! Any tips for a new KZbinr ? 🤗

[@gylanunderhill]

I have two yellow tail damsels three blue devil damsels and one star damsel and have for a long time whilst damsels can be dicks if given a large enough space and plenty of rock work to hide they generally don't cause a problem. I have recommended damsels as a good starter fish to other hobbyists because of their colour and how hardy they are and told them to get five this usually helps with the pecking order and to keep to the same type. I would agree that damsels can be aggressive but they can also be miss understood. I have a Strawberry Basslet and it can be very aggressive for a small pink fish he can and will scare away tangs much bigger than it is.

[@1reefluvr2]

Love those fish

[@adampape7548]

I have arnazi damsels they are nice

[@leohanono8129]

I noticed your triggerfish, absolutely beautiful. My female bluethroat trigger only comes out to swim when no ones around, or when feeding. Can i add a male to the tank after she's been in there alone for 3 months? Or will she be too territorial. Any advice?

[@satttheman]

Springerii can be a-hole. Mine killed 9- female and 1-male Ventralis.

[@rondycolbert6787]

My ladyfriend just added 3 Talbots to her 55. They are pretty cool.

[@irresponsible_reefer8229]

I have a lfs by me that sells tons of springers and tells everyone that they are docile and perfect community fish. Good to know they are u til they mature. Does anyone have any experience with lemon damsels?? And def gonna look into the Rolland damsels. Thank you

[@sashimiturtle]

My springer damsel has claimed my montipora capricornis colony as her territory, and bites the crap out of my hand if I get within a foot of it... in a 36x24x24 tank. She's peaceful towards the other fish tho.

[@eduardo-flyfishing4113]

My Damselfish is possessed. It killed my clownfish and broke the mouth of my pseudochromis in one week!

[@jadsalhani]

What type of damsel was it?

[@eduardo-flyfishing4113]

@@jadsalhani yellow tail!

[@jadsalhani]

@@eduardo-flyfishing4113 Thanks for the warning, I was considering getting one. I cannot believe it beat up ur pseudochromis, those things are brutal.

[@higdgy7489]

What are some other small options, instead of damselfish

[@hannahviolet927]

As a newbie I had cycled my tank with 2 blue damsels and 2 clowns 😅 oops. But they're still alive. It seemed to work out ok

[@olgacirkunova2342]

I have only demselfi in my 55g. 2clowns ,3blue with yellow tail and Zibra color.I am ok ,they are gorgeous But my clown fish terrorising me.But it's ok ,they are gorgeous.

[@pjfreak99]

I have a yellow tail in my 42g. Could I add two more?

[@mozby76]

What about the kupang damsel? Is it the same as azure damsel?

[@rubensacramento]

What about pomacentrus alleni?

[@Fishslayer04]

i had two blue damsels but one died so now i only have one but it is extremely fat and i’m not sure if it’s pregnant or not, i feed it regularly and don’t over feed, could it be pregnant?

[@gordonmarvin9993]

Damselfish have their place, the semi aggressive-aggressive community tank

[@gordonmarvin9993]

There is actually a more peaceful damselfish, the sapphire damselfish is a vivid blue and it is the most docile available,

[@vascojardim6703]

Never had an issue with yellow tail damsels. Interesting occurrence: one day I came hone and my trachy was eating one of the yellow tails... 😳

[@t-man1587]

Vasco Jardim my yellow tail does not bother any of my other fish and is the most peaceful fish I have much to my surprise

[@carlosvillanueva8530]

The garibaldi is larger than the sargent major and are damsels.

[@fishwizard5964]

I am speed

[@jxmorgan2009]

Sad cuz i love my yellow tail damsels. They are friendlier than my clownfish!

[@AcquaNando]

Top! 😁

[@higdgy7489]

I accidentally impulse purchased three blue damselfish, they are completely blue, I bought 3, I have 2 clownfish in my main show tank and the three new ones are in a ten gallon quarantine. They seem nice, they very rarely chase each other, do you think a 90 gallon tank is big enough for the clownfish and blue damselfish?

[@porbaron5485]

Yes in fact they have way too many space

[@mrdouglasbaker]

I have a yellowtail damsel do you think I can introduce clown fish

[@Saltwateraquariumdotcom]

Is he aggressive with other community fish? 50/50

[@bmw3842]

I have yellow tail and chromis damsels and they were aggressive towards the one yellow tail .who has claimed the aquarium as his .

[@Mike__B]

I'm guessing the aggressiveness of the damsels are why they're so cheap, because they're so aggressive in the wild it's easier to catch a fish that doesn't back down? And the friendly(er) damsels are more expensive exactly for this reason except they will back down and try to hide?

[@multanemo]

The fish didn’t arrive dead or dying?

[@annebartells777]

Damsels are too territorial. I had one in my tank and he was just a devil. I couldn't put any other fish in my tank because the whole tank(30 gallons) was his, and he would kill anything that got into his territory. He would bite me everytime I put my hand in the tank. One time he got me between my fingers and drew blood. I had him for seven years. One day, he jumped out of the tank and committed suicide. I had mix feelings. The fish had a lot of personality, and I did like him. On the other hand, I now have five fish in my tank

[@damselinteractive6960]

0:45 That's uh, that's more than five fish, sir.

[@OperationDx1]

Or you could cycle the long way and just buy ammonia.

[@chriskhachschronicles1712]

The Truth about Damselfish:)) The title cracked me up, as if we are talking about some conspiracy glooming over humanity:)))

[@TriniFishHobbyist]

5 or 6 ?????? 🤔

[@A.R.C.77]

chromis are fine

[@eroommada543]

0:48 umm thats six

[@ryans1187]

My clown keeps my two damsels in check.

[@takebacktheworld8090]

Countless hours it took me to catch my yellow tail. I have never been so frustrated by a fish nor had adrenaline pumping as with that little demonfish! I don’t know how many traps or techniques employed I came up with to no avail... one confident day I seen him close enough to the top, threw some pellets in and zing!! You’d thought Id had fought mobys dick! Ha Anyway, one hour later... all my fish were not hiding🤘🏾impossibly adaptable creatures🧐

[@kupsyza]

i don't like the word "recently" revisit this video after a year

[@mxs1919]

This guy acts like he’s a 100% right... the 4 stripe aren’t that aggressive he confused them with the 3 stripe or humbug . A lot of this guys statements aren’t totally accurate

[@billyhenry4488]

That's was 6 not 5

[@Saltwateraquariumdotcom]

Yes. The idea was to show 1. But not 1, 5. Per the audio voice over.

[@ReRe-yl6dq]

pro tip numer 5, dont spend $50 on 2 damsels

[@mudbug535]

Still not going to chance it

[@evacherryfeather5190]

Their Damn Selfish, they eat all the algie.

[@opethmike]

His shirt makes me sad.

[@farmanshaikh6405]

My damsel's piss me off!!!

[@eastnjman368]

That’s 6 fish

[@ryunwoofie2810]

My female clownish I inherited from another reefer (took her entire established tank and revived it) bites the HECK outta me. She's a little shit. She made me buy a pinch grabber cus I literally can't keep her off me. My damsel fish is way more polite than her lol..

[@Kephers7]

5 damsel fish.. but shows 6 damsel fish..

[@iridocyclitisxembzy8873]

Haha I saw that too

[@a2thek914]

Guy said he put 5 damselfish in his reef tank, tet showed 6 silhouettes, 0:30 I think he is a scam and a pied piper.

[@baquiranj]

Lol, why does the pic have 6 fish... -_-

[@eastnjman368]

😭😭😭

[@novemharrison4524]

Wtf I put 100 of them in 180 gallons

[@jrios662]

Okay so he got five saltwater damsels in its tank when he says they're not a good fish to keep so right off the bat you got to realize this guy is a hypocrite. Second of all I wouldn't take advice at all I just did a 40 gallon saltwater and I have damsels in it three of them these fish don't bother nobody simply because they only aggravate or bother fish smaller than itself but if you have a big Tang or a trigger fish or anything in there they're not going to mess with them. And I know that cuz that's been my experience with saltwater damsels. So yes this guy is not a pro and saltwater damsels now that he has them in his tank.

[@muscleman125]

Ukraine fish

[@dontbetreadin4777]

😆😆😆

[@me2525]

"5 damsel fish" *shows 6 damsels*

[@Cherub72]

your illustration had 6 damselfish, not 5 lol

[@CB-on8bd]

It killed my hawk fish 🤦‍♂️ so I took it out donated that baster

[@joec2174]

Your right they will even turn on each other, sort of like an ex wife .