163. The Great Damsel Debate

The concept of damsel fish in aquariums goes back to the beginning of marine fishkeeping. They are often used as “throwaway” fish to cycle new tanks due to their cheap cost and hardy nature. Generally speaking, damsels also have a nasty reputation for aggression, despite their smaller size. Because of this, the aquarium community is rather split on the topic, with strong opinions on both sides. Ben and Calder debate where exactly these fish belong in the hobby, coming from different backgrounds and experiences with the fish in the family pomacentridae.

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Species mentioned in this episode:

• Yellowtail damsel, Chrysiptera parasema
• Dusky damsel, Stegastes adustus
• Jewelled damsel, Microspathodon chrysurus
• Domino damsel, Dascyllus trimaculatus
• Talbot’s damsel, Chrysiptera talboti
• Reticulated damsel, Dascyllus reticulatus
• Springer’s damsel, Chrysiptera springeri
• Allen’s damsel, Pomacentrus alleni
• Three stripe damsel, Dascyllus aruanus
• Blue devil damsel, Chrysiptera cyanea
• Starck’s damsel, Chrysiptera starcki
• Lemon damsel, Pomacentrus moluccensis
• Blue velvet damsel, Neoglyphidodon oxyodon