Getting a Damsel & Clown to Co-Exist
 

I have a 20 gal tank and put in a yellowtail damsel. He was doing fine for a couple of weeks then I added a common clown about 1/2 the size of the damsel. It didn't take very long for the damsel to start beating on the little guy. Since I paid more for the clown, I caged the damsel in a floating box. I'm considering returning the damsel, but if someone has a suggestion on what I could try it would be helpful. I realize a 20 gal tank is small and the damsel probably claimed the whole thing as "his". If I do have to return him, would adding another clown the same size as my first one be ok or would they fight as well?

Damsels are notorius bullys and will relentlessly attack anything. If you managed to catch the damsel, take it back to the store and give it away.

Damsels and clowns come from the same family of fishes and I have heard that they may have some issues getting along.

I actually have a damsel who is trying to breed with my pair of clowns in a 28 gallon reef set up!

If you do decide to return him, and want to get another clown, I have read on this forum and others that the trick is to get another clown that is much smaller than the one you already have. I am sure you will get further advice from more knowledgeable members.

Yeah that little bugger was a pain in the *** to catch. The clown I have right now is fairly small as it is, maybe a little more than an inch long. I haven't seen any for sale smaller than him.

Clown
 

I have to clown fish and 2 Damsels. The damsels are twice as big as the clown fish and have never attacked them.. I guess i'm lucky.

I've got two yellow tails in my big tank and they jump anything that comes by. Including me:mrgreen: Little bugger scares the heck out of me when I put my hand in the tank to clean.
Maybe someone will trade you for something less aggressive.

riverfront had half inch true perks and occes in last week.

He's gone, I took him back today.

I have a devil damsel and a clownfish in the same tank, along with other fish. Ironically, my clownfish chases the damsel every once in a while (but doesn't hurt it nor catches it as the damsel is much faster). BUT - when I put my hand into the tank to clean it, the devil guy attacks me :)