I have 3 Pictus Cats in a 55G tank that I would like to move out to a bigger tank. They are about 4". The LFS recommened not using a net since their whiskers will get caught in the tiny holes. So that leaves trapping them. But I am not sure if that will work either since they are so quick! any ideas?
Catching a Pictus
- Thread starter bdobosz
- Start date
:idea2: I've seen nets that are made of a certain mesh fabric that are designed specifically for fish that might get spines or such caught in normal nets at the LFS. If all else fails, you could consider using a container of some sort. HTH and good luck!
Let Get Serious Here
How does the person at your LFS catch the fish to sell? I'm sure they use a net. I've been using net for all my fish since day one, and have never had any such problems, including catching Pictus Cats. The only problem I've had was once when taking out some corys, I grabbed the bottom of the net to hold the fish. And one of them stuck me with it's dorsal fin. My finger swelled up like a balloon.
Mike
How does the person at your LFS catch the fish to sell? I'm sure they use a net. I've been using net for all my fish since day one, and have never had any such problems, including catching Pictus Cats. The only problem I've had was once when taking out some corys, I grabbed the bottom of the net to hold the fish. And one of them stuck me with it's dorsal fin. My finger swelled up like a balloon.
Mike
It *is* best to exercise a lot of caution when catching cories and pictus. By the by, since when does the pet store have the fish's best interest in mind? They use a net because its cheap and easy, but caution is always better in my mind.
I've heard people say (when catching big spiny plecos) that an old crappy (clean) pillow case can be cut to fit just like the netting on your standard net. There are no holes to get tangled up in. And pictus are scaleless so you have to be careful with their skin. Basically, I'd think any soft cloth would work, provided that it's clean. Some people also use a container underwater, but this can be difficult with such a fast moving fish.
For the record, too, I've personally witnessed Brochis splendens get mangled in a net at a local pet store. The lady was an idiot so I told her to let me take the poor things out of the net with a pair of tiny scissors. A bushy nose that I was buying at another store also got very tangled up in his nosey bristles.
That said, I had to move fast once and used a standard net to get my pictus out. He was unscathed.
I've heard people say (when catching big spiny plecos) that an old crappy (clean) pillow case can be cut to fit just like the netting on your standard net. There are no holes to get tangled up in. And pictus are scaleless so you have to be careful with their skin. Basically, I'd think any soft cloth would work, provided that it's clean. Some people also use a container underwater, but this can be difficult with such a fast moving fish.
For the record, too, I've personally witnessed Brochis splendens get mangled in a net at a local pet store. The lady was an idiot so I told her to let me take the poor things out of the net with a pair of tiny scissors. A bushy nose that I was buying at another store also got very tangled up in his nosey bristles.
That said, I had to move fast once and used a standard net to get my pictus out. He was unscathed.
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Swimfins
This is as good as it gets.
Do not use a regular net. That topfin is armed with a spike that is covered with little fishhook-like barbs. I moved my pictus, got him in the net and had to cut away most of the net and some whisker. Later, I caught him in a clear plastic container which works ok if you corner them near the glass. Try to make the chase quickl so as not to stress too much. Move out anything to make clear paths. Corner the pictus against the glass and cup the container over the fish.
the best way to catch a catfish is what xave suggested. Stick a pipe/pot/coconut with a hole in it, anything that the catfish'll run into when you stick your hands in the tank, and when he's in, pick the whole thing up and place him, and the recepticle in a bucket of water for transportation.
the tube/coconut idea is definetly the easiest and probably least stressful to teh fish. however, if you cant accomplish this then the next best thing would be to take a clear plastic bag (like the ones you get from the lfs when you buy fish) and try to scare the fish into the bag with a net. once he's in quickly close the bag and you're done! good luck.
It's Not Like You're Catching The Fish....
Everyday. Your best bet is to use a cloth net, or any fine mesh net. Catch the fish, place it in the tank you want to have it in, and leave it at that. The less time trying to chase and catch the fish the better it is for the fish. Why stress it more than you have to. Do it and get it done with.
Mike
Everyday. Your best bet is to use a cloth net, or any fine mesh net. Catch the fish, place it in the tank you want to have it in, and leave it at that. The less time trying to chase and catch the fish the better it is for the fish. Why stress it more than you have to. Do it and get it done with.
Mike