can not catch this damsel

[ct103]

I have a large blue velvet damsel that is about 5 maybe 6 years old that I can not catch anyway I try. The stinking rascal doesnt bother any corals except zoas. He has eaten everyone I have ever put in the tank. The only fish I catch in traps is my false perc, the damsel hides the second something goes into the tank. I am ready to dissasemble the tank to catch him, I really do not want to but it looks like that is what it is coming to unles I can find a solution.

 

[cloak]

Check this out. Leaving them high & dry has worked very well for me when it comes down to damsels.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/sp/index.php

 

[Bluecheese]

Those are indeed hardy and pesky. Very fast and difficult to catch. How big is your tank. If it is small enough you may want to remove your display in a separate tub catch him and replace .
Otherwise you may just turn LOCO

 

[ct103]

LOCO I am!

 

[snorvich]

Drain the tank saving the water. Once high and dry, they come out very easily. Then return the water and presto: No Loco.

 

[LaOtIn]

throw a grouper in there and let him remove your damsel lol

 

[droth335]

Easiest way would be to use a small barbless fish hook and some line. Bait it with a piece of krill or something and you'll have him caught and out of there in 5 seconds - unharmed.

 

[ct103]

Tried the fish hook already he goes to hide even with it baited although iI have not tried it while I am feeding. and I have thought about the grouper!

 

[ct103]

Rearanged my DT today and I caught the bully he has a home in the sump for now I am going to make our 39 gallon octagon an aggressive tank I have to catch the other two damsels and move the fire fish to the reef tank. got a pair of false percs not mated but I am crossing my fingers lots of water changes and feedings in the next few months maybe this tank will become what I want now that this guy is out.