help moving fish, little guy might not last long...

[wantokeeptrout]

I've got a hap tank with 8 cichlids and a small area of dense rockwork simulating a rock reef edge along with lots of open space. About 1 week ago I noticed one of my haps is looking really ratty, it's the second smallest and it has some really tattered fins. I want to move it to my 30 for recovery or to later sell but for the life of me i just can't catch it. I've tried big nets, small nets and a baited trap (a standard water bottle with top cut open baited with bloodworms with no luck. the tank is a 75 and the fish in question is always evading my tactics. what can I do short of draining the tank or removing a lot of rocks to catch this fish?

 

[plecostic]

I know what you mean, in my 75, trying to catch a fish is a chore. What I do is remove any and all decorations, then I use two nets, one for directing the fish where I want them to go and the other for scooping them. One of the most difficult fish to catch was surprising a molly fish, I think because they can turn on a dime, so if you can catch these, you can catch anything. Fish are great at hiding from nets, you have to be 3 steps ahead of their move. I also find if you work hard chasing them, you'll only stress them and yourself more. Use slower movements but plan out your strategy, think where they might turn next

The objective: You want the fish to swim into your net rather then you trying to net them. When the timing is right grab them quickly.

 

[wrslrcichlid]

It could also help to divide the tank (if you have any tank dividers). Try to keep all other fish out of the area, leaving just the fish you are trying to catch.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Try dropping the water level down (like during a water change) so it has less room to swim around the net. Or wait until it's "asleep" at night and quickly net it.


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