Gonna clip teeth soon - any tips I should know?

[Randles]

I had thought about doing it without anesthesia, but am too worried they would move at the last second and I’d miss. I feel like I’d have to get good at clipping with anesthesia before I can try without.

I personally think this is a very wise decision for the first time round.

 

[jjohnwm]

How many teeth need to be clipped on these things? Is it just the front pair on top and bottom?

Unless there's a whole jawful of individual teeth that need attention, I'd be very inclined to do without the anesthesia. For one or two quick snips, just hold the fish and do it. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

I've seen clove oil used for euthanasia a few times; never failed to cause an uncomfortable and stressful debacle for both fish and fishkeeper. That was when the goal was the death of the fish; the last thing I'd do is mess around with it when I'm trying to keep the fish alive. YMMV; good luck whichever way you go.

 

[Deadeye]

Yes, just the front pairs.
This one has a lot of info on doing it without sedatives:

SAP Teeth Trim No Sedatives 201

1) I do not recommend this for all keepers. You have to have a very steady hand and be very accurate. 2) No, this is not for all puffers. I don't know what puffers it will work for and which ones it won't. When in doubt: MS-222 (aka finquel) 3) DO NOT LET THE LITTLE GUY OUT OF THE WATER! There...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[RD.]

I agree with some of the others, clove oil can be very tricky, even with very large fish. I have had a couple close calls over the years. I would clip without using clove oil if at all possible. Good luck.

 

[Deadeye]

Tanks for the advice everyone!
I’ll do some more research into doing it without sedation, and see if I think I can pull it off.

 

[cockroach]

I hope you are planning to make a video of all of this. Would be very interested to see how you get on.