How to capture/catch clownfish in a tank
- Thread starter JHardman
- Start date
reef211
New member
Sup reefer,
Here is my story on my GSM, I have him for about 2 years now and he love his RBTA, this sucker is giving me a heart attach for months now, I try every method in here and still no luck. Every days i have to restack my rocks work and restack all my sps frags because he push everything on to the sand floor. I have 120 gallons and 150 pound of LR, man it is a headache trying to fish this guy out. Well, i will try and try until i get him out.
Here is my story on my GSM, I have him for about 2 years now and he love his RBTA, this sucker is giving me a heart attach for months now, I try every method in here and still no luck. Every days i have to restack my rocks work and restack all my sps frags because he push everything on to the sand floor. I have 120 gallons and 150 pound of LR, man it is a headache trying to fish this guy out. Well, i will try and try until i get him out.
Radioheadx14
Active member
i just put floating food in and then swipe when they come to the surface... I always get them on the first try... very tame
Mine will bite the crap out of me, my wife, or anything or anyone that comes w/ in 12" of their anemone. Catching them isn't the problem, it's keeping them away from me that is. It doesn't hurt, but it does pinch a little.
btw. Tomatos are probably the most aggressive of the clowns imo. If he runs away when you go after him in his anemone (he's a loser clown, he should be protecting his anemone... j/k), you'll need a fish trap or food in a bucket or use a water bottle with lots of small holes in the bottom and the top cut off. Put some food in the bottom and when he swims inside pick him up.
btw. Tomatos are probably the most aggressive of the clowns imo. If he runs away when you go after him in his anemone (he's a loser clown, he should be protecting his anemone... j/k), you'll need a fish trap or food in a bucket or use a water bottle with lots of small holes in the bottom and the top cut off. Put some food in the bottom and when he swims inside pick him up.
Reef-LeGeNd
In Memoriam
my picassos come up to my hand. If you cant catch a clown, then quit.
mat167
New member
It's kind of an old thread, but I read through and didn't see anyone mention this. If you are stuck and have to use a net, I suggest two things.
1. Use the biggest net possible (within reason of course). I use a 12 inch wide net to catch a 3 inch fish. Obviously this makes it easier to catch the fish, but more importantly this also makes it easier for number 2.
2. Don't take the fish out of water while it's still in the net. ESPECIALLY if it is a surgeon or maroon clown or anything with bony appendages. They will get caught in the net. Instead, bring the net to the surface and use a specimen container to remove the fish from the net while still under water.
This has worked miracles for me at the store where I work, especially for maroons and lots of FW fish like pictus cats and shovelnose cats.
1. Use the biggest net possible (within reason of course). I use a 12 inch wide net to catch a 3 inch fish. Obviously this makes it easier to catch the fish, but more importantly this also makes it easier for number 2.
2. Don't take the fish out of water while it's still in the net. ESPECIALLY if it is a surgeon or maroon clown or anything with bony appendages. They will get caught in the net. Instead, bring the net to the surface and use a specimen container to remove the fish from the net while still under water.
This has worked miracles for me at the store where I work, especially for maroons and lots of FW fish like pictus cats and shovelnose cats.
kes_reef
Premium Member
I used to put large mysis shrimps in the net and hold it in the tank. Initially, fish will run away from it but little by little, hunger will get to them, and by 1 week, half of the fish are in the net eating. By the 2nd week, all fish should readily come in the net. This obviously takes lots of patience but it worked for me.
The better way is to just simply use a trap. After awhile, few fish will go in and then the rest will eventually follow.
The better way is to just simply use a trap. After awhile, few fish will go in and then the rest will eventually follow.
I cant beleive all you people are soo lucky. I have a bastard of a gold stripe maroon clown. I have a 92 gallon corner sps lps mix reef tank. Any new coral i put in my tank my clownfish will pick it up and toss it, he does that for a while until i epoxy it in place then he calms down. I want him gone! I have tried every trick in the book from clear containers and bags to nightime netting and fish traps! Nothing has worked. he is very skiddish around me and anything wierd and unnatural looking in the tank, he will hide in the rocks in two seconds. does anyone have any more suggestions? There is absolutely no way im unrocking my tank i have over 40 pieces of coral and 25 fish.
candeewolf
New member
So, if there is copper in the water with the clownfish (either from QT or LFS), how do I transfer a maroon or other clownfish to the tank without a net and without getting copper in the reef tank?
djchristone
New member
this is a good thread 
thanks for the tips
thanks for the tips I didn't read the whole thread but I had two tomato clowns that were the terrors of my 235 and after they took a chunk out of my Harlequin Shrimp it was time for them to go. I tried everything but came to the conclusion I had to do it the way I've been catching fish for years.
I bought a super small hook (size 18) from a fly fishing store, removed the barb, used 4 lb line, baited the hook, and Bam! with in a few minutes I had both clowns in my sump. No permanent damage and I sold them about a week later.
Hope that helps.
Sculpin
I bought a super small hook (size 18) from a fly fishing store, removed the barb, used 4 lb line, baited the hook, and Bam! with in a few minutes I had both clowns in my sump. No permanent damage and I sold them about a week later.
Hope that helps.
Sculpin
norgemorir
New member
What did you use for bait? small silverside perhaps?
I'm considering going down the same route. My GSM feels like it's his job to bury corals in sand and terrorizes just about everyone. After trying the trap and net approach, he won't give my any opportunity to catch him otherwise.
I'm considering going down the same route. My GSM feels like it's his job to bury corals in sand and terrorizes just about everyone. After trying the trap and net approach, he won't give my any opportunity to catch him otherwise.
fmuakkassa
Member
Great thread. I need to catch an aggressive marron clownfish but it sleeps at night under the rocks. Any other ideas when you have a 180g reef aquarium with plenty of hiding places?
norgemorir
New member
I eventually got mine out with the 3day wait on food and trap method.. I cut the top off of a 1 litre water bottle, cut 2 holes and put fishing line through it, put some food in dropped it down in front of his normal stomping grounds.. took a long time (20min) and 2 tries to catch him but hunger and his bullying won out. had issues with hermits getting into the trap too, but it eventually worked.
good luck
good luck
