Catching a clown in an anemome

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any tips for how to catch a clownfish that is in an anemone? (M. doreensis, has looong tentacles) I need to move the little guy, and he doesn't run away, but I put a net close to the anemone and it gets sticky tentacles wrapped around it. Then I tried using a turkey baster to chase the clown into the net, but that didn't work because tentacles stuck to the turkey baster. I really don't want to harm this anemone. I have tried chasing the clownfish out so I can corner him somewhere alse but he is not leaving his home!

Also, the anemone has his foot on the bottom of the tank, so I can't just pick up the rock it's on and swish the clown into a container.

When I get home today, I will try putting my hand in a plastic bag and just grabbing the clown, but I thought this was surely something people have to deal with and might know a good way to do it.

 

[melas]

what about a glass jar? get it as close to the clown as you can and then wave him in with your hand. dunno. . . it could work. . . good luck!

 

[Anonymous]

I just tried it, a clear plastic container in one hand, with my other hand in a plastic bag to shoo him in. Turns out the tentacles do not stick to a bag, so that is helpful. Little guy went under the rock, and I come to find out the anemone is partially attached to the rock and the bottom of the tank, so I don't want to pick it up and hurt his foot.

I am going to try again once the lights have been off for several hours, maybe I can catch him off guard. :twisted:

 

[Anonymous]

Feed the Anemone. Feed it as much as it will eat. At that point the nematocysts will not fire, or have already fired, and it won't be sticky anymore.

 

[Anonymous]

Why are you removing him, Laura?

 

[Anonymous]

Feed the Anemone. Feed it as much as it will eat. At that point the nematocysts will not fire, or have already fired, and it won't be sticky anymore.

This worked great! I am so glad I asked!

I fed a ton of silversides, after it had eaten them, I came in with two nets and scooped the little guy right out. He thought he would be safe nestling in the mouth, no match for the two net approach.

The nets just brushed right through the tentacles, they had no stickyness to them.

 

[Anonymous]

I know this might be silly.. but have you tried putting a small mirror in the tank so the clown will see another clown and rush it? Or if you dont want to do that, maybe get a plastic clownfish toy/clip or something and see if it's stupid enough to fall for it?

 

[Anonymous]

Why are you removing him, Laura?

I am going to pair the little guy up with a lone clownfish I have. His own daddy actually (Momma clown recently kicked the bucket)! And then give the pair to someone who said they want them.

 

[Anonymous]

Glad you cought him.

 

[Anonymous]

Schweeet!