Damsels are aggressive?

[SSUNGYO]

Please excuse my ignorance, but the other day, someone told me that damsels would be a nuissance to the soft corals that im planning to add to my new setup. I just got out of the freshwater hobby and if you are familiar with tiger barbs, they tend to pick on larger fish. I was wondering if damsels are really aggressive. if so, i will take them out. i have 2 black 3 spot damsels and i blue yellow tale one. thanx guys! I really appreciate all the help and support!

[michealprater]

Unless you are really attached to the damsels I would recommend removing them. They become very territorial and will be a potential threat to fish you add later on, especially more docile ones.

[HoopsGuru]

I would urge you get into the habit of researching the fish before purchase. It not only saves against a potential bad judgement (who would have thought that tiny damsel would be such a tough guy :) ) but also against any unnecessary stress on the fish due to being removed repeatedly and shuffled around. While they are cheap, they don't deserve most of the treatment they get.

A great book is Reef Fishes Vol 1, by Scott Michael. It will not only give you all kinds of info you can reference, but is quite interesting at the same time.

[sinasster]

I am quite familiar with fresh water tiger barbs, and I can say that Damsels are the salt water equivilent. Only they are more territorial and defensive rather than just nippy and playful. And you asked if they were bad for the corals, Ive heard of this being possible but have never actually witnessed it. As you will be far fed up with them for there fish -fish behavior, before you ever witness any coral damage.

I do maintenance on salt water tanks, and the damsels are the only fish I have incountered that routinely nip at my hands.

[RazerCorals]

Raar I would rip those suckers out right now. If anything get a green chromis for damsels.