Snakehead Sedation IN Tank for Transfer

[Snakey]

Hi All,

I'm after some advice in relation to sedating my 2ft Channa Micropeltes with clove oil IN his 450lt tank, prior to transferring to his new home.

On another note, does clove oil break down/dissappear eventually when in tank water with the fish?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Snakey]

I've searched the forum but haven't been able to find "in tank sedation" method, removal and recovery etc...everyone seems to remove the fish, then sedate it.

This fish went totally insane and smashed himself up quite badly when we had to move the tank 5 metres (with him in it). In a couple of weeks we have to physically take him out and transfer to his new home (5 metres away) but we're terrified we'll either lose him when he thrashes around, flys out of our hands or worst case, breaks through the glass in the tank.

Any suggestions would be so appreciated.

 

[Deep Blue Sea]

I always thought clove oil was a way of "permanently" sedating your fish, as in it kills them

 

[Snakey]

I always thought clove oil was a way of "permanently" sedating your fish, as in it kills them

It's a humane way to euthanase (overdose amount used) and sedate for a short period of time.

 

[TwistedPenguin]

I seem to recall reading that Snakeheads can breathe oxygen and can stay alive for literally days and days if kept moist. If that's the case you should be able to get the tank drained down and wrap him in a wet towel to transport him in a cooler or something. Is that a possibility?

 

[Snakey]

I seem to recall reading that Snakeheads can breathe oxygen and can stay alive for literally days and days if kept moist. If that's the case you should be able to get the tank drained down and wrap him in a wet towel to transport him in a cooler or something. Is that a possibility?

Yep, they can live for about 3 days or so out of water I think, but the problem is getting the bugger out safely. He's well over 2ft long, VERY strong and the bitey end scares us lol

 

[Zfishies]

What tank size is he in? What's the minnum for these guys?

 

[Snakey]

What tank size is he in? What's the minnum for these guys?

He's been in a 6ftx2ft (450litre) tank for a couple of years, but we're moving him to a custom 1,600litre (420 US G?) one as his turning circle was getting too tight.

 

[Zfishies]

So if I had a 5x5x2or3 it would be fine for two or one ?

 

[H]-[H]

Yep, they can live for about 3 days or so out of water I think, but the problem is getting the bugger out safely. He's well over 2ft long, VERY strong and the bitey end scares us lol

I used to have one around 2 feet as well.. that bugger put up a good fight & jumping out of the tank.. Not the best way to move a snakehead which is why it's recommended to keep large monster in a tank big enough for lifetime..
Maybe try get a polystyrene box with holes on the bottom & try to get the snakehead to swim in it.. then close the top(make sure it's tight) & wait for the water to slowly flow out.. Then slowly lift the box out of the tank..
Just an idea..

So if I had a 5x5x2or3 it would be fine for two or one ?

2 for juvy & 1 for adult.. 1 is recommended cause they get big real fast depending on how much you feed..
I was amazed by my micro's growth when I used to own one.. it never seem to be full, always hungry & active too..