When should keepers feed aggressive damsels to help diffuse early-day territorial disputes?
Answer
First thing in the morning
For aggressive and territorial damselfish, a subtle adjustment to the *timing* of the feeding within an established frequency can be used as a behavioral management tool. It is a practical consideration to feed these fish immediately upon waking, which is first thing in the morning when they are typically most active and actively engaged in establishing or reinforcing dominance hierarchies. Providing food at this critical time often satisfies an immediate need and can successfully diffuse or preempt intense territorial disputes that might otherwise erupt among tankmates during the early part of the day.
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