Damsel Bully

[Richieexd]

Hey, I'm relatively new to this forum but I'm glad I've found it. I'm a recent owner of a saltwater aquarium and there is only so much a text book will tell me. Anyways everything has been going fine until I added a new Honey Damsel to my collection ( this one is about 1/4" larger than the other honey damsel). The new and larger damsel is very hostile and aggressive towards the other damsel of the same kind however it seems to enjoy "rubs" with my domino damsel. Should I take this damsel out and upset the domino? I've read a lot about removing damsels that bully others, what would you guys do? ( Are they only aggressive towards it's own kind? because I also have 2 domino damsels which get along really well, I'm also aware of their pugnacious behavior as they mature but they will receive a new tank then ! biggrin.gif). Thanks for the help

 

[Colin_T]

All damsels are territorial and when you added a new one to the tank, you upset the established territories. Now the new bigger fish is trying to take over the tank. Depending on tank size you might need to remove it to prevent stress related diseases from occurring. The rubbing against the other damsel is probably sizing the opponent up before fighting.
If you want to keep damsels it is best to get them all the same size and introduce them at the same time. This way no-one has an advantage and they can all settle in together. But it doesn't always work. Once they mature a pair usually takes over the tank.

And welcome to the forum

 

[Richieexd]

Thanks , I took the honey one out this morning everything seems fine now, the smaller honey damsel stopped "huffing and puffing", so I'm going to assume that he/she is not stressed anymore. *Phew