Are damsels mean because we don't provide uv light?

[Mbodell]

Check out this link.
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/02/ultraviolet-fish-face/

That would be cool if all you had to do to calm mean damsels was add a very small uv source to the tank. Makes me want to start a damsel tank and experiment.

 

[Hawkeye]

unfortunately damselfish are also territorial because they grow/farm an algae farm in the wild and fight that piece of turf against anyone - including tangs. Confined to a small space - a damselfish becomes intolerant of others near by. That's just it's brain-wired that way.

I have a yellow-tail damsel. It was added last to my 120 and has been a model citizen. It fears my kole tang but other than that - it's peaceful in the community.

That all stated - it is interesting to consider the perspective that not all things view things the way the (unassisted) human eye does.

 

[JRWOHLER]

I would think that our actinic bulbs fall in the UV catagory no? Think they are just mean.

 

[Nickjr000]

Natural bully's, good at it too

 

[Salty Yogi]

I've been thinking of an exclusively damsel reef tank, using the african cichlid model. Stuff the tank with damsels to the point where aggression is leveled by numbers. There are so many beautiful damsel species it could be quite sweet. Of course, probably could not keep any other fish in the tank...and size, number of citizens, vs water volume...

Anyone tried this?

K

 

[Satans_Milkman]

The UV light has nothing to do with it. Damsels pain in a tank and pain to get out of a tank.
The can be very difficult sometimes teaming up to defend their area they claim is theirs against a lot bigger fish.
The will lose in brute strength but will win in tormenting others. I have had them actuall kill some tangs that was 5 times their size. even forcing them into anenomes.
I always found it good to limit them to one or two at most or not at all.