Any tips for moving large fish long distance?

[Cecropia]

I've got a long move coming up (about a 7 hour drive) and need to figure out a way to move my giant gourami comfortably and without damage. I'll be using the usual coolers with battery powered pumps for all my other fish but this guy/gal is too big to be in one of my coolers that long, or at all.

He's about 18" long and a foot tall, not including the tendrils. I also don't know for sure how to net him without damaging those tendrils as I've only got a big fishing net with rubber net points to get him with.

Any ideas on the best way to do this?

 

[HarleyK]

Thread 'Moving with a Monster'

Sep 5, 2007

ABSTRACT

The US Consensus bureau published that approximately 16% of all Americans move each year. Many of them are Monsterfishkeepers. Most people move within the same county, however, an astounding 15% of all moves go out of state. This article is for those who take their Monsters with them.

Documented herein is a 1300 miles trip half-way across the United States of America, from the Heartland to the East Coast. A 1 foot (30 cm) long common wolf fish, Hoplias malabaricus, was...

• HarleyK
• Replies: 54
• Forum: MFK Articles

• 

 

[HarleyK]

My article is so that some of the pictures vanished, but the content still holds true:
Just get a Giant Gourami sized Rubbermaid tub , battery powered air pump, heat packs.
Good luck with the move
HarleyK

 

[danotaylor]

When I picked up my trio of rays from Chicago, a 6 hour trip each way, I used a 275 gal IBC tote in its metal cage secured in the bed of my pickup. I cut the tote bladder at about 2/3 the height prior to leaving and took the top 1/3 to use as a lid. Filled w about 125gal of water from sellers pond. Slid the top 1/3 over the bottom 2/3 and used a ratchet strap to secure. Worked out very well.
All the best

 

[Omrit]

Surprisingly the feelers will repair even if the damage is severe. I am told a lost feeler can fully regrow as well, and I have seen that occur with the smaller species.

I second the IBC tote.

When I needed to move my porcupine pufferfish I used a big plastic tote since no part of the fish is safe to touch a net. I would use something like that or a trash can to catch the gourami if you are worried about it's feelers. A giant gourami is a very hardy fish though so I am sure it will be fine either way.