Other fish are just as hardy for cycling so do not thinking you can only use
damsels. Of all the damsels, this is the 2nd least aggressive of all (a
blue\green chromis is the least). The best way to sum it is what someone
once told me "they don't call them blue devils for nothing".

I have had yellow tails be very peaceful, and the last one I had was
extremely aggressive. Like all fish, they have a personality too and
unfortunately it takes about 2-3 days in your tank before they show it.

You may want to consider a royal gramma or fox face to cycle with. They are
high color, won't be a problem with a reef, and you won't have to destroy
the tank trying to get the damsel out in a month

HTH
LT



"Kevin" wrote in message
om...
I have recently set up my first marine aquarium. It is going quite
well so far, (save a slight red slime problem i am trying to control).
I have put just one fish so far, a small yellowtail damsel. I would
like this to become a reef tank, and i did use the damsel knowing it
was very hardy and would assist in cycling the tank. I have been told
by the local fish store they can be quite agressive despite their
smallish size. What are your experiences and opinions about their
compatability in a reef tank and with other fish, and have you found
them not to be suited to this? Also, have you found any difficulties
in maintaining them with invertibrates, especially small hermit crabs
and cleaner shrimp?

Thanks for your input.

kevin