Springeri Damsel Group?

[SoloChromis]

Springeri damsels (Chrysiptera springeri) are some of my all time favorite fish. They're hardy, relatively benign, and their markings are incredible, especially under good lighting (I also hear they eat red bugs, but who knows). I know chromis have a bad reputation for picking each other off over time, but would the same happen with these guys? I would love to add a group of 3-6 to my 120g, but won't bother if the risk of them beating each other to a pulp is high. Thanks :spin1:

[airtime23]

Good question...I'd like to know, as well.

[davidfrances]

I have 10-11 of Chrysiptera parasema, the Yellowtail Damselfish. Not exactly the same species, but the same genus. I have had these in one of my 250G DD's for over two years now, and their numbers have been stable ever since I introduced them:

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a563/davidafrances/2014-12-06019_zps1951e0cb.jpg

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a563/davidafrances/2014-12-06017_zpsa839d32c.jpg

I have trouble getting an exact count, as they are pretty active. I don't see any aggression, and each damsel has staked out their own piece of reef. The little sh&ts always bite my arm and hands when I am cleaning the tank.

[moriarty]

I have 10-11 of Chrysiptera parasema, the Yellowtail Damselfish. Not exactly the same species, but the same genus. I have had these in one of my 250G DD's for over two years now, and their numbers have been stable ever since I introduced them:

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a563/davidafrances/2014-12-06019_zps1951e0cb.jpg

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a563/davidafrances/2014-12-06017_zpsa839d32c.jpg

I have trouble getting an exact count, as they are pretty active. I don't see any aggression, and each damsel has staked out their own piece of reef. The little sh&ts always bite my arm and hands when I am cleaning the tank.


This has to be one of the nicest looking reef tanks I've seen! I'm sure it's absolutely incredible in person with all of the movement from the xenia!

To answer the OP, I've had 6 Chrysiptera springeri in my 120 reef for 1.5 years without issue. Also have 6 C. parasema in my pool and plan on adding 20 or so more along with a few other species. Both species add a ton of color/movement, and IME have not been aggressive at all.

[eatbreakfast]

I agree with both comments about this group of fish. When I have seen them in groups they each stake out their own little territory but otherwise leave each other alone.

And that is a truly beautiful tank.

[SoloChromis]

I have 10-11 of Chrysiptera parasema, the Yellowtail Damselfish. Not exactly the same species, but the same genus. I have had these in one of my 250G DD's for over two years now, and their numbers have been stable ever since I introduced them:

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a563/davidafrances/2014-12-06019_zps1951e0cb.jpg

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a563/davidafrances/2014-12-06017_zpsa839d32c.jpg

I have trouble getting an exact count, as they are pretty active. I don't see any aggression, and each damsel has staked out their own piece of reef. The little sh&ts always bite my arm and hands when I am cleaning the tank.

Absolutely gorgeous tank. I see you're also a fan of gorgonians :thumbsup: Also, good to know your yellowtails all mingle nicely, they are a very similar species. Thanks :fish2:

[DogueDeBordeaux]

Springeri damsels (Chrysiptera springeri) are some of my all time favorite fish. They're hardy, relatively benign, and their markings are incredible, especially under good lighting (I also hear they eat red bugs, but who knows). I know chromis have a bad reputation for picking each other off over time, but would the same happen with these guys? I would love to add a group of 3-6 to my 120g, but won't bother if the risk of them beating each other to a pulp is high. Thanks :spin1:

I have about 9 Springeri's in my 300g. They are peaceful, but they do not stay in a group. They are a nice blue under lights.

[Betta132]

Yellowtails would be my suggestion for a schooling species of damsel. They're shoalers, they kind of only hang around each other a bit, and they chase now and then. Yellowtails are best added after any small species, but they aren't aggressive, just a bit bitey towards little things that are added after the damsel has established its territory.

[davidfrances]

Yellowtails would be my suggestion for a schooling species of damsel. They're shoalers, they kind of only hang around each other a bit, and they chase now and then. Yellowtails are best added after any small species, but they aren't aggressive, just a bit bitey towards little things that are added after the damsel has established its territory.

The only thing mine bite is my arm when I am cleaning the tank

[anbosu]

Should be fine - sometimes getting healthy specimens is a problem since damsels are cheap and poorly treated in the supply chain, but a group should be fine in your tank. I have probably 25 Chrisyptera damsels in my 360 and while they squabble and stake out their own territories, they do not pick each other off.

I have 5-6 springeri damsels as well - forgot to add that part.

[Daniel62]

Davidfrances Great tank

[AirForceAquariu]

Not to totally hijack, but I think this is related. How would 1 do in a smaller mixed reef? Would he be a terror to the other occupants or would he simply stake out some territory and be protective of it?

[SoloChromis]

Not to totally hijack, but I think this is related. How would 1 do in a smaller mixed reef? Would he be a terror to the other occupants or would he simply stake out some territory and be protective of it?

I haven't ever had issues with aggression with either the springeris or the azures. Depending on *how* small the tank is, I think he'd be a model citizen. Very cool fish :fish1:

[eatbreakfast]

I haven't ever had issues with aggression with either the springeris or the azures. Depending on *how* small the tank is, I think he'd be a model citizen. Very cool fish :fish1:

This has been my experience as well.