How catch 6 line wrasse before move

[jandree22]

The past two times I had to relocate my tank, I had the unfortunate experience of realizing that my 6 line wrasse became a stowaway in a piece of LR. Despite being out of water for a few minutes each time, the bugger lived on. I’m moving my tank next weekend and want to avoid that experience again. Are there any tips anyone has as far as ensuring I don’t lose him in some random piece of live rock? Because of his size and color, he blends perfectly into nooks and crannies. Netting him is out of the question because he’s too fast in and out of the rocks, so I’m wondering if there’s any interesting technique to lure him out of the rock? I’m thinking of removing the rock from the tank, holding it out of water for a few seconds, then dipping it into a bucket saltwater to hopefully convince him to vacate the rock.

 

[trido]

I have recently netted my naso tang and a four line wrasse by simply leaving the net in the tank for 24-48 hours so the fish get more used to it. The I slowly target feed above the net. When the hunger gets the best of the fish. Whammo! Its caught. I can guarantee you. Hunger will eventually get the best of the fish.

 

[habsfan]

Hey. You could try using a Hershey bar too.

Let's go BEARS!

 

[jandree22]

Hey. You could try using a Hershey bar too.

Somehow I suspect that may put the skimmer into overload I haven't been following the Bears these past few years, but my brother has season tickets and goes to games religiously.


Thanks trido, that's worth a shot... I never thought about "acclimating" them to the net

 

[saf1]

When I had to catch mine I ended up using a plastic cup believe it or not.

Something see through works best. If it has a lid, put it on and cut a hole large enough for the guy to enter. Also attach a piece of fishing line on one end so you can pull it up once he enters...

Don't feed for one day - not that it matters much with them, but it helps. Anyway - put a piece of food inside to lure it in. It will enter, you pull and problem solved.

I've used this methode for a Flame Angle and a 6 Line. Worked both times - just had to varry the size of the cup I have even used a flower vase when I didn't have a cup around - only problem with the vase is that it is large enough for others to enter....

Good luck.

 

[bleedingthought]

Or if he's in a spot you can see at night, catch him while he sleeps.

 

[Anonymous]

All good suggestions, and I've used them all at one time or another. Introducing a small container that the fish will come to see as a shelter works almost every time.