MAJOR PROBLEM WITH CATCHING 7" LOACH!

[Goldie Lox]

I have a golden dojo loach that started out at 3" and is now 7". He's been a fine tank mate up until the time my pair of albino bristlenose plecos bred. First batch 30ish fry - about 10 have survived. Now the male pleco is in his hiding spot waiting for the next batch of fry to swim out and be lapped up by Mr. Dojo. About 5 months ago I tried to catch him when he was a little shorter. I spent 25 minutes with two nets, patient at first, then started to tear up my plants. I then gave up. I have GOT to get him out tomorrow before my new batch emerges. I have buyers waiting. What would YOU do to catch this Lambourgini of loaches? Any of you - and there must be thousands - that have a special talent for catching speed demons (without removing most of the plants!) Thank you for a speedy reply with great ideas! :help:

 

[charlie4486]

are you planning on selling any of the bristlenose? i would definitely be interested.

 

[Bk718]

Throw some blood worms by the net and try and catch that way.
I noticed my fish seem to be scared of a blue,green color net more than a black one.
Try and catch it with the tank lights off, this with the use of a dark colored net works great.

 

[theotheragentm]

I know your pain. Chinese Algae Eaters are a pain to catch as well. Larger nets and an extra set of hands is what I recommend.

 

[FishBliss]

If you can't catch him can you put a partition between his lair and the hatchery, thereby keeping them separate?

Or, can you reduce the size of his get-away space by putting a partition in half the tank -- so you only have to chase him around in that smaller area?

I've never tried to catch a loach, but these are the ideas that come to mind.

I caught a more tame fish by submerging a glass flower vase and putting blood worms in it. I waited. Fishy went in to snack and I simply covered the top of the vase with the net and lifted out the vase.

 

[Lupin]

The easier way to catch a loach is always lower the water level by half or more than half assuming your plants were already anchored firmly to the substrate. This will lessen his chances of escaping. I don't usually have a problem catching my loaches since I handfeed them.:lipssealedsmilie:

 

[Rbishop]

I usually lower the water level and use a pice of egg crate divider to try to divide off the the tank. I may use several so I can continue to decrease the free area available to them.

 

[lovemybarbs]

My gold dojo is pretty blind. I guess the poor things didn't run from him.

 

[RoseFishWatcher]

IME, the best way to net fast fish is to move SLOW. I've never tried to catch a loach, but have netted other fast critters this way. I just slowly herd them into a corner. Easier if decor can be removed, but doable either way, I think.

 

[DarrylR]

Bigger net and lowering water. If your tank is small enough you can go to Petsmart and purchase a tank divider and block him into a corner.