Damsel

Damselfish, belonging to the family Pomacentridae, are the tiny titans of the coral reef. While they are famous for being some of the hardiest and most affordable fish in the hobby, they are alsoequally notorious for their bold and often aggressive temperaments. In the wild, they are fierce defenders of their territories. They’ll often chase away fish many times their size to protect their patch of algae or nesting site. Because of their durability, they are frequently used by beginners to start new aquariums, but their pugnacious nature means they can quickly become the “bullies” of a small tank if they aren’t managed correctly.

In a home aquarium, damsels require a strategic setup to minimize conflict. They are highly territorial and tend to view the entire tank as their personal domain. To keep them successfully, it is best to provide plenty of rocky caves and introduce them as some of the last inhabitants of the aquarium, so they cannot claim the territory before others arrive. While they are completely reef-safe and will not bother corals, their aggression is usually directed at other fish. Despite their spicy attitudes, many hobbyists love them for their vibrant neon colors and the constant energy they bring to the reef.