Netting Fish

[NaH2O]

Do you use a net when catching or transferring your fish? If not, what do you use? (I don't mean using a net to corral the fish, but the fish is physically in the net)

I very recently read an article by Terry Bartelme about netting fish from his website. I never thought too much about using a net with fish until now. Here is a link to the article: No Nets Please!. Please take the time to read the article - I think our livestock will benefit from it .

 

[Curtswearing]

Until I read that article, I didn't think too much about it either. Upon further reflection, I think that I might have hurt one of my fishes eye one time with a net.

 

[Elmo18]

I voted SOMETIMES.

For some species, especially clownfish, nets are not necessary and using them can hurt their eyes, and tough on newly acquired fish that have less mucus coating from transhipping.

In my opinion the best way to get clownfish is with a small container and at night. You can find where the fish sleeps at night, and catch it that way. With an anemone, it is even easier, since the clowns will most likely go where the anemone goes, and you can scoop it into the container.

Premnas clownfish with cheekspines will get stuck in nets, and it is not a good idea to use nets with this species.

- Elmo

 

[wrightme43]

It just depends. Sometimes I just have to. I read the article the other day. I do use python nets, IMO they are a little better. I just catch cleaner shrimp and stars with my hands to a collection container. I have never been able to catch a tang or angel in a collection container. They seem to want to bash thier brains out on the tank or rocks. The best way I have found when netting is to get underneath the fish with the net and use soaked nets. I understand its not the best thing in the world for a fish, though I see have seen them bump into things and hurt themselves worse than I have seen them hurt by net damage. I believe a healthy fish will not be sickened by a quick netting, however, a stressed or marginal fish will, since those are the ones we usually net, its probley wise to take Terry B's advice where ever possible. Its not fair to say dont use nets though. Its better than cyanide, and at the local fish store, I dont think chasing the fish back and forth to a container would be any less stressful. Just my humble opinion. Steve

 

[Frankie]

I agree with wrightme43, nets are faster and can be less stressful then trying to use a container. The faster the catch, the better for the fish if your carful.
I couldn't imagine trying to catch my jewl tang with a container big enough for him without distroying my rock and corals in the process.

 

[Witfull]

in my many years of retail and wholesale i never used a net to catch a salty. a clear specimen container and a hand is all it took. you get a good feel for scooting them in the right direction. and swoosh,,,he is out and bagged.

 

[Frankie]

New poll request

I would like to request that we have a poll on chillers. I would like to know what type of chillers people are using. Inline or drop ins? If this can be done in the near future that would be nice. I want to start a thread on chillers but want to know what people are using most first. Thank you Frank

 

[NaH2O]

Frank - no problem, I'll do that when I get back into town.

 

[class clown]

I'm a netter

 

[Frankie]

I want to take back what i wrote up top. I have been catching my own fish at the lfs latly and i use a catch cup to do it. Netting is very stressful. Didn't you see Finding Nemo? Swim down!