How to catch evil fish

He was going to be my last addition, but then I had two losses which were unexpected and sad so I bought two new fish. The weird thing is he is totally fine with newbies. It's just any fish that comes near the rocks. He is the meanest to the fish that were there before him! Maybe he's trying to take over?!

Hmmm that does sound like it could work. I think I would have to take off the top layer of the rocks, since he would be hanging out in there...but half is better than all.

I'll think about it! thanks Steve!

My rock could use a good cleaning...just having to take out all my coral would be extra annoying. Glad you caught your guy!!

 

dottybacks are mean! I had one and had to chase him around for about 40 minutes with once of those clear, rectangular specimen collectors they use at the LFS.

They can't see the clear acrylic. I think you should give the bottle trap a try. Seems like it could work, buy you may catch all your other fish before catching him. Eventually, he'll go inside. Put the trap near the rock he protects.

 

He protects all the rocks - so maybe I should make a few traps and place them around....I didn't know they can't see the clear acrylic. I'll have to give this a try.

 

I still think you should try this:

 

Well, lol, I could never hurt a living thing. I can't even kill bugs.

And also, even if I wanted to, he is waaaaay too fast. I could never pin him!

 

Might help you get a new scape though.;D

 

I had to trap and get rid of mine.

I used a canning jar that had a hinged lid. Tied some fishing string to the lid and placed the jar on the bottom. Put some food in and lifted the lid. Took several tries until all the fish got their fill, but was finally able to catch him. He swam in to get the food, and I dropped the lid.

I have seen the pop bottle method work too, but you want as clear a bottle as possible.

As for the 3 stripe damsel.... he would never fall for it. I ended up emptying out the tank.

 

Did you catch him, KC?

 

Haven't tried!! Been way too busy. But he's started digging big holes in the sand and the tank is always cloudy now. So I dislike him even more. LOL

 

Oh the fish you wanted to give to me huh.. I see how it is haha