What to do with aggressive damsel?

Question

Just got a new clownfish and small saddled pufferfish (valentini puffer) and added them to my 55 gal saltwater tank. Now, the four stripe damsel who has been there since the very beginning has never had a problem with other fish, until I put in this saddled puffer. He's tiny, and will grow some more, but about the same size as the damsel. The damsel keeps lunging at it around the face and upper torso, looks like possibly trying to nibble it. Now, I know I just introduced them, but should this behavior continue much longer? If so, should I seperate the damsel for awhile?

Answer 1

Sounds like the damsel has a territory staked out. If tis is the case I doubt the attacks will stop and the stress certainly won't be good for the puffer. You may have to rearrange something a bit to stop the behavior or as you suggest remove the damsel for a while o confuse it concerning territories.

MM

Answer 2

A LOT of people have trouble with damsels. Since they are hardy, people think they are a good fish to put in the tank. Trouble is, damsels are so dang aggressive. Since you put the damsels in first, they are likely to cause problems in the future. I would consider selling your fish back to the store. This will give you a small refund, and potentially save you a lot of money in the future (if your damsel ends up killing your other fish). If you really want to keep the fish, make sure you are adding at least semi-aggressive fish to your tank. The clownfish should be able to hold his own, but the wrasse may encounter some trouble as they are a relatively peaceful fish. Be very careful with adding smaller fish and keep a close eye.

Answer 3

I had a neon damsel (see link for a picture of what I mean) for 5+ years and it use to cause the same trouble.

http://www.tropicalfish.at/saltwater/damselfish/Paraglyphidodon_oxyodon.jpg

I found if I introduced striped fish it went crazy (must see them as more of a threat).

I think your damsel sees the saddled puffer as a threat because it thinks it is another humbug (4-striped damsel) because they are both "black-and-white-striped".

If you can catch the humbug and stick it in a box for a few days while the puffer relaxes. Also move everything around to mix up the territories a bit and let the humbug back out, it maybe ok. Thing is, the humbug may still see the saddled puffer as a threat and go for it, despite all the things you did. They are monsters sometimes.

Damsels are generally like that (green and blue Chromis are more peaceful).

My adult neon died a few weeks back (after 5+ years!) so I am currently converting to a simple reef tank, now it has gone I can finally introduce some peaceful fish without fear of them being bitten to death.

You man consider removing the humbug if you really like the puffer (I mean take it back to the shop). Depends how attached you are to it.

Answer 4

Man oh man this sounds wayy to familiar- I also have an over aggressive damsel fish. The truth is there is ALWAYS going to be one fish thats going to try and dominate the tank- it helps that before every time you add a fish to move around the rocks or whatever decor you have in the tank to throw the fish off a little, so it doesnt feel that a new fish is coming into its territory. the best thing to do is to get a tank separator, stress is the number one killer of fish, if the damsel continues to go after the puffer in that manor its going to eventually die. or you can simply bring the damsel back to the fish store you got him from. certain damsels are very territorial- try to stay away from em.

Answer 5

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RE:
What to do with aggressive damsel?
Just got a new clownfish and small saddled pufferfish (valentini puffer) and added them to my 55 gal saltwater tank. Now, the four stripe damsel who has been there since the very beginning has never had a problem with other fish, until I put in this saddled puffer. He's tiny, and will grow some...

Answer 6

I had a dog face puffer awhile ago and they are very docile fish much like yours. The damsel may not stop picking on the puffer because they are territorial your other fish may be aggressive enough to keep the damsel at bay. Just remember to have a net handy to chase the damsel when it comes time to feed your fish, because I will bet the damsel keeps the puffer from eating. Eventually the puffer will get bigger. Good luck

Answer 7

damsels are aggresive little fish they may learn to live with it and they may not. i got rid of my damsels after the cycle because they are mean fish. there is a good chance that they will never leave it alone. if i were you i'd try and find a good home for them but thats just me, alot of people like damsels but they will harrass almost anything you put in there causing death to some fish because when first adding a fish its stressed anyway and if they pick on them to much they can kill it easily. If you enjoy damsels i'd choose a clown fish they are in the same family and they are alot less aggressive. you can rearrange your tank it might help but chances are they are always gonna be like that.