Catching A Reef Lobster

[reefnut guy]

I have had a reef lobster for about three years now without incident. Very unique and great to watch. However in the last month, I think it has managed to acquire or improve its fishing skills . I have been losing some of my smaller and healthy fishes. It is the bright purple and yellow variety. What is the best way to catch this guy without tearing up the tank .

 

[TheH]

Bait & trap.

If you've had it for a long time, can you tell me have you found it to be largely nocturnal? Does it hide most of the time?

 

[reefnut guy]

Yes it is very nocturnal. I did put a bottle trap in with some mysis . I have been able to feed it from a turkey baster but it stays close to the rock . Do you have any experience with them . I think I was in denial for awhile about their aggressiveness but my Carpenters wrasse was a very healthy fish

 

[Premiumaq]

Thoroughly clean a two liter bottle, and cut off the top where the neck begins to taper. Perforate the bottom of the bottle like a sieve. Punch two holes near the top, opposite each other, and tie strings to them, long enough to lay over the edge of the tank. Lay the trap on its side, with the mouth close to one wall of the tank. Bait it with something meaty. When the lobster enters, pull the cords to raise the bottle upright, trapping it inside the smooth walls.

 

[spw4949]

IDK, for it to all of a sudden become a problem after 3 years although a definite possibility I would make sure that your params or something else isn't out of whack before you yank it....just my .02....