Need help catching a fish!

[Wildorca]

Hi everyone!
We have been trying to catch my azure damsel for a week! Even though he's injured and looking pretty bad, he's still fast!!!
Do you have any suggestions on how to catch him WITHOUT having to tear apart my tank?
Thank you!

 

[zeemofree]

A tiny fishing hook with a pod on it. You can also make a trap using a clear plastic bottle cut the one off and stick it in back wards, another option could be suck him into a tube using a power head, or shop vac

 

[SFish]

What kind of bait are you using? Try night crawlers.

 

[SFish]

Hi everyone!
We have been trying to catch my azure damsel for a week! Even though he's injured and looking pretty bad, he's still fast!!!
Do you have any suggestions on how to catch him WITHOUT having to tear apart my tank?
Thank you!

Most likely you are going to have to take rocks out.

 

[Wildorca]

A tiny fishing hook with a pod on it. You can also make a trap using a clear plastic bottle cut the one off and stick it in back wards, another option could be suck him into a tube using a power head, or shop vac

Won't sucking him up hurt him?

 

[billdogg]

I have a #10 flyfishing hook (barbless) that I use as a last resort. I put a small piece of shrimp or something on it. Works great and does no lasting harm to the fish. It does hurt a lot when you hook yourself.

 

[BigEZ77]

I use this... http://www.jlaquatics.com/bubble-magus-collapsible-fish-trap-small.html

I've noticed the damsels are quite curious so you might be able to just leave it in there and it'll go in on its own. Otherwise, don't feed fish for a couple days then put food in. The problem is, you have to sit and watch and wait.

 

[zeemofree]

Won't sucking him up hurt him?

Possibly, if you have container in the middle of the tube to catch her it might work. I would make a little trap first, are you catching it to get healthy?

 

[Reefstarter2]

yourbest bet is a fish trap , it still may take a while but its less stress and no tearing apart rock work . it took me 9 days to catch my blue hippo . could have had all the other fish 6 times but nooooo not him lol

 

[heathlindner25]

Damsels will always go into a fight mode when they see another of their kind.
I have great luck putting a picture of the same species on the glass and when he goes into fight mode net him out.

 

[Wildorca]

Yes, I'm trying to catch him to hopefully try and heal him. My 6 line ripped his pelvic fin off, and it's getting more black and swollen in that area each day. He's also breathing really fast today. I may be fighting a lost cause, but I feel like I have to try.

 

[Wildorca]

Here is another picture of him. There is a black line from his pelvic fin to his tail as well.

 

[Sk8r]

Just a suggestion, depending on which sort of fish you favor, but what about catching the 6-line and turning him in? He may be fine with the fish you want---or not. They are territorial and prone to real attack, not just demonstrations.

 

[Wildorca]

I'd be happy to catch either one honestly! I could easily catch my clownfish. He's very trusting.
The damsel and the 6 line dart and hide whenever I stick anything in the tank.

 

[billdogg]

I would go after the 6 line also. They become evil

 

[Sk8r]

A liter wine carafe tipped up a little on the rockwork and baited with something like raw shrimp can be a good fish trap. Stand by with a small net to block the opening once the desired fish is inside, then calm down and carefully extract bottle and fish. If it works with the wrasse and you can get him back to the lfs, the damsel might heal on his own. I have a feeling that fin is the result of multiple attacks.

 

[MuShu]

Make a trap out of a bottle- something like a powerade bottle with a slightly larger opening and throw a cube of frozen brine of mysis in there. I was able to catch damsels twice using that method. Just keep near the tank so you can pull the trap once the desired fish is in it.

 

[A sea K]

You can also make a trap using a clear plastic bottle cut the one off and stick it in back wards,

Make a trap out of a bottle- something like a powerade bottle with a slightly larger opening and throw a cube of frozen brine of mysis in there. I was able to catch damsels twice using that method. Just keep near the tank so you can pull the trap once the desired fish is in it.

My suggestion as well. I have used this method for quite some time now with excellent results. Some fish are quite a bit more wary than others so it may take a few days for them to get used to the trap so patience is key.

 

[kmbyrnes]

I'm having the same issue. I've tried nets, bottle trap and even fishing. But I have one 'damn'-sel that is trying my patience. Yesterday I saw an idea in Advanced Aquarist by James W, Fatheree that I think will work well in my situation. I'll be hitting Wally World for one today.


http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2015/9/aafeature

 

[AlSimmons]

How big is your tank? If it's relatively small the High & Dry method outlined in the link below has always worked well for me.

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