catching my pleco

[dory]

Is there anything I can hurt myself with on a gibbiceps? or can I just pic her up, I dont want to use a net. (have bad experience with that.)

 

[Kobeclone]

definitely don't use a net. They will get caught up in the fins. The only thing you need to watch out of is the spines on the dorsal fiin.

 

[paultl80]

Not sure on the size of your pleco, but mine was about 8" to 10" when I had to move him.
I used a large plastic pitcher (for iced tea). But mine was partially drained. Just slowly moved up to him and scooped him out. But it did take a few times to actually get him. They are crazy strong and fast when they want to be.

 

[benzjamin13]

They have some rough skin, so depending on how big your's is, I recommend using some type of plastic container to scoot it in.

 

[chesterthehero]

plastic container is by far the best way.. i just toss my dollar store pitcher in the tank and after a while my pleco hides in it.. then i just put the cover on and its done..
you can pick them up by hand, watch that fin though that dorsal spine.. if yer "scared" of hurting him/yourself the plastic pitcher is the way to go.. its just easyer..

 

[luisrcrx]

i slowly cornered one of my 10.5" commons and held him against the tank untill i can get a good grip on him,if he trashes about really hard i let him cool off and try again . heres pics
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121043