How to catch an Engineer Goby?

[Boatwizard]

Situation: I have a 90 gallon Oceanic w/overflow with 160 lbs LR and 200 lbs LS and it has sprung a small leak. I have been thinking about downsizing to a 50 breeder so moving to the small tank is actually a good idea. But there is an Engineer Goby that lives deep in the sand and has a major case of shyness. If I move the rock out I'm not sure netting him is even possible. Anyone had any luck catching one in a trap or a jar? That fish is my main concern about the move because he's a beauty and I've had him for 7 years.

 

[palmer373]

Why is it not even possible to try netting him after you move out the rocks? Seems like it is easier to net him out then to me.

 

[AquaticFins]

The adults rarely leave/venture far from their burrow; I'm not sure you'd have much success with a trap.

I'd suggest you just catch him as you're breaking down the tank. Take the rock out, siphon the water down to just above the sandbed, start removing the sandbed until you find him.

 

[jamgar]

I just went through this with two adult engineer gobies...impossible to trap IMO...I would do as the previous post suggests

 

[Boatwizard]

I was afraid that was the answer. Drain it and net it is.