how to get out a 12 inch pleco?

fishfreaks

fishfreaks

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Dec 12, 2004
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we have an estimated 12 inch common pleco that we would like to take to our lfs. any suggestions on how we may do so without injuring the poor guy. we have heard not to use a net because his little prickers will get him stuck in it :( any suggestions on how to him out other than a net? thanks.
 
The book 'The Manual of Tankbusters' (Gina Sandford & Richard Crow) says:
"For catching alrge fishes, consider using a linen pillowcase. This not only proves effective for moving spiny catfishes without fear of them damaging themselves, but is also equally useful for catching other species. The main key to its success is the size - the best dimensions being about 50cm (20in) long with an opening 30cm (12in) wide by 25cm (10in) high. To use such a net, lower the water level in the aquarium and move any wood or rocks that the fish may damage themselves on should they take fright. Thoroughly soak the net in the water and hold it against the bottom of the aquarium while gently coaxing bottom-dwelling fish into it with your free hand. [...] Above all, do not bring the net up underneath a surface-dwelling fish; it causes them to panic and leap from the water. The length of the net allows you to close the top with you free hand as you remove it from the aquarium and thus prevent fish from jumping out. [...] The one disadvantage of this net is its ability to hold water. Linen retains the water quite easily and it is often necessary to wait several minutes for some of it to drain away before trying to lift the net and fish from the aquarium, otherwise you tend to get rather wet!"

I'd recommend transporting the fish in a bucket with a lid - their spines will puncture plastic bags.

HTH :D
 
you move it very carefully!
two people really helps, one can chase, one can catch
my pleco freeked before he got in the net but once he was in the net and out of the water, he was fine.
Just a warning, its not easy. And you WILL get wet.
remove anything you can out of the tank, including other fishies.
Good luck
 
I took my 12 inch pl*co to the LFS recently and here's how:

Purchase a plastic container (with cover) large enough to hold the Pl*co. Fill it part way with tank water, but not so much that it splashes out when you walk with it (about 2/3 full). Now it's time to catch the Pl*co. I had a latex glove on when I reached into the tank. He swam around a couple of times and stopped frozen stiff like an airplane. When he did that, I picked him right up and placed him in the container. If you have a ways to travel, you can use a battery operated air stone during the trip. In my case, I just kept the lid cocked a little in the car and then popped it back on to carry him from the car to into the store. I had a dark towel wrapped around the container from the time I carried him from the house until I carried him into the store, which kept him calm and kept the temperature of the water steady.
 
alright, so we've decided to catch him with a tupperware dish, we will go out and get one large enough for him. we will be taking him 1 to 1 1/2 miles down the road, should we give him air holes?
 
put on some thick gloves and grab it.
 
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