What's the best way to catch a fish?

[csababubbles]

Whats the best (less stressful for fish and aquarist) way to catch a fish from a display tank full of live rock?

Line & hook?
Net?
Drain most of the water and net?
Fish trap?
etc.

I was able to easily catch a porcupine puffer this morning by pretending to give him food and then putting in a large clear container and net into the tank behind him and gently guide him with the net into the container and then easily scooped him out of the tank while still underwater in the container. Well this was easy enough with a puffer but how about a million mph tang or butterfly?

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Tangs and butterflies require either a trap or tank separation with a clear barrier. Use two overlapping pieces of acrylic or glass, held in place with clips or rocks. Clear out one side of the tank and only feed them in the open empty side. Leave an opening along one side large enough for the fish to swim through. When the fish is in that side, close off the opening and easily catch the fish.

If you have too many rocks or too large of tank, get a fish trap.
Mike

 

[leebca]

That question is best answered by reading through this thread:
Catching Fish.

Good luck!

 

[csababubbles]

awesome, thanks guys!

 

[Reefergeorge]

I have read that some people have luck using a mirror for more aggressive fish. The fish gets so occupied with the new addition that you can just give a quick scoop. Catching a porc isn't that difficult. I could pick mine up with my bare hands.

 

[Sparks]

i only do small fish myself and this is my method for the ones that are super hard to get:
i've got one of those dead/bleached barnacle clusters I drop that in the tank, leave it for a while, and then chase the fish in question into the cluster, then with my hand, pull the whole cluster out, were the fish is just sitting/hinding in the hole filled with water.

 

[jedimike]

I finally caught my white striped maroon today!!! I had been trying different methods for 3 weeks... I tried fish traps, mirrors, and countless attempts at netting. I even went and bought a bigger net.

Today I was determined to catch it. I went and got a hook out of my tackle box, removed the barbs and baited with a piece of clam. It took all of 5 seconds and I hooked her. Slid the hook out of her lip and put her in my sump. As far as I could tell it was less stressful than all of my previous methods. This is now my method of choice

 

[servicky]

hahaha no way...... I have two maroons in need to catch to put my picassos in..... never tried the mirror....

 

[jedimike]

I was in the same situation... I had my picassos sitting in the sump, just waiting for the maroon to get evicted. Now the picassos are in the main tank and loving it. They've been "surfing" the powerhead for about a half-hour. I have a pair of scribbled rabbits that chased them for about 10 seconds, then decided they were ok. I was also worried about my adult red coris wrasse, but he hasn't paid any attention the new fish. It feels good to finally get the maroon out of my tank.

 

[Snowboarda42]

KevinPo's store in Spokane (Aquatic Dreams) uses two nets. One a bright green and one a big black one. He'll keep the black one in one end really still and chase the fish into it with the bright one. Its fish instinct to go for the dark hole (being the net). Works good. Longest I've seen it take was ~3 minutes with one of my Anthias I bought from him.

 

[NC2WA]

I have a pair of cinnamon clownfish that need to be removed from my 375g tank. Boy, this buggers are fast!! Someone suggested catching them at nite when they are asleep. Place red film over the front of a flashlight. If this doesnt work, then I might need to borrow a small hook and line.

 

[NC2WA]

Jedimike,

What size hook did you use? (or would you recommend for a 2-3 inch cinnamon clownfish).

 

[jedimike]

I'm not sure what size it was... trout fishing size. I was afraid it was too big and the clam didn't even begin to cover the hook. I used my finger as the rod and slipped the leader around like you would a yo-yo string. It was probably a pretty comical sight... fishing in the aquarium.

I know you can get hooks small enough for those cinnamons. And if you have to buy them, you might as well buy a barbless one.

Have fun fishing

 

[NC2WA]

Where? Does it have to be a bait and tackle store or will a fred meyer or walmart do?

 

[jedimike]

Either of those stores will do. I believe both have a fishing section. I used the "Eagle Claw" hooks. They already have the leader attached... I'm not trying to say you need a certain brand of hook. I just like the quick and easy approach.