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I want to put my three-spot damsel in a separate tank for observation -- but that means catching it. The tank is filled with live rock. Any suggestions as to how to net the damsel without dismantling the rock?

That's gonna be tough. I keep hearing from customers about how hard it is to catch damselfish, and from trying to catch them myself I can sympathize.

Both of the methods I can think of involve food. The first is to stick a nice snack in a container of some kind (hopefully closed off on all but one side) where the fish will see it, and remove your hands from the tank. If the fish goes in, come down with your net and cover the top of the container. Then just take it out of the tank. Transparent containers work best, and laying it on its side (open top facing the fish) will make it easy for the damsel to enter. It will also make it easy to just stick the net downwards to cover the top. Try one of the plastic holding bins that fish stores put their fish in prior to bagging, they are sold in most shops.

You can try to lure it out with a nice snack, like frozen or live food. Food that floats at the surface will work best. Be poised over the tank (be sure to remove the lights, hood, and glass cover beforehand) with the net. Once the damselfish comes close enough, try to nab it quickly. You can try to put your free hand in the water at the same time to scare the damsel towards the net.

If you try either method, hopefully you don't have other hungry fish that ruin the plan.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

You can try to get it after the lights go out. They slow down and are easyer to catch. Another option is to get a plastic pitcher, put it in the water over an opening where the fish swims out. Then use the net to chase the fish threw that opening and in to the pitcher, then lift it out.

Dan


Dan

I've seen people use this method before...in 20,000 gallon reef tanks.

Have the tank lights off for a long time, so that they've been through a period of extreme darkness. Then, quickly turn on the lights-especially if you have MH. It puts the fish in a stunned stage for a little bit, and makes them a lot easier to catch b/c they dont really know which way is up. You temporarily mess up the photoperiod but it shouldn't be a big deal.

The other methods I've using for catching fish among live rock were not fun ones...so I think I'd try the above first.

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish