Best way to catch a Kuhli

[PsyKick]

So I have about 5 Kuhli's in a 20L and I am planning to transfer them to my new 29 when it is finished cycling. The main reason is because the 29 has a sand substrate, and the 20 is just gravel, so I want the Kuhlis to have a more comfortable place to dig.

But the catch is that they pretty much hide under the decore, I of course will pull out the rocks and such, but even then, they can bury themselves and are wicked fast!!
Plus some of my driftwood is underneath some gravel, if I just pull out the driftwood I am afraid that gravel is going to bury the kuhlis and hurt them(or worse)

Any ideas? Was thinking about a trap for them....

 

[bluekrissyspike]

take your net and leave it in the tank for a bit. some of them may hide in it. if you move things around or chase them a little that might help. i usually catch mine be dropping the net over top of them and then pinching the net shut with my fingers (carefully) so they are trapped in there. they are also easier to catch if you can get them while they are going up and down in the corner. have fun. they are really fast. i'd take everything out if you can, and lower the water level to at least half. your kuhlis should like the new tank, depending on the tankmates. mine are out all the time now since i switched them to sand with a few floating plants.

 

[DAVIDFBT]

If there are no other fish in it, take everything out and lower the water level to 1 inch. If you can't do that, do what krissy said.

 

[jbradt]

When they're going up and down in the corner is the best time for me. It takes patience, but you'll get them.

 

[Iceeeyyyy]

small black trashbag lining the net with some plant matter inside and lie it infront of their natural hiding spot then place a little food in their and wait patiently or take another net and try to corral them inside of it

 

[J double R]

2 nets.

 

[eveliens]

I usually make a fish trap out of a plastic bottle. You cut the top off and invert it. They can get in but usually can't figure out how to get back out. Bait it with some really good food and walk away for a bit. Worked like a charm for my kuhlis and my horsefaced loach.

 

[Kuhlifan]

Drop a plugged in toaster into the tank.

Seriously, I had a lot of fun Friday evening going to PetSmart and asking the aquarium section employee for six black kuhlis. I think she was about ready to pull her hair out by the time she finished catching all of them.

Not having any obstacles to avoid will probably be your first step. If you remove your driftwood carefully, you should be able to avoid injuries. I like the idea of lowering water level too.

Heck, by the time you're done, you have have removed all of the gravel as well :eek3:

 

[jaylin]

i'd take everything out if you can, and lower the water level to at least half.

LOL - I'd go even lower. Khulies are sneaky little buggers. The last time I had to catch any I had to take the water level down to about two inches to get them all.

 

[DarkDH]

I personally turn off my lights for a little, come back a few hours later, and do everything everyone else listed. For me it makes my kuhlis a little more sluggish.