How to Catch a Predator (aka purple dottyback)

[Sdoutreefer]

So I’ve got a not so nice dottyback that I can’t stand. What’s the best way to catch a fish without tearing my aquascape apart? I feel like there is no good way! Do fish traps actually work??

 

[Balthazar]

Fish traps do work.
Make yourself one out of either a 16, 20 oz, 1 liter or a 2 liter soda bottle. Depending on the size of the fish.
A quick search will show you how to make one. Very simple to do. Put some of its favorite food in the trap and be patient.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Will it catch just the fish I want it to?? Kidding. Ok, I’ll check out a video! Thanks for the feedback.

 

[BigAl07]

I recently (yesterday) had to catch a male Lyretail Anthias in a 120g tank. I used a home made (loaned to me by a local reefer who later just gave it to me) Fish Trap made out of a "Trail Mix" plastic bottle. It wasn't easy but the saving factor for me was "minimizing" tank real estate by making a Tank Divider out of some Egg-Crate we keep on hand. I used it to make the tank 1/3 of it's original size once the "target fish" was on that side. Then, one by one I let the other fish go to the other side so that it was the ONLY fish.

Unfortunately this fish was so mad about NOT being able to get to the other side where it's Life Long ENEMY was he wouldn't eat therefore would not go into the trap. He was so intent on getting through the Egg-Crate that I decided to use THAT again him. I put the trap on the other side of the Egg-Crate and literally ripped a hole in the Egg-Crate directly in front of the trap (trap was flush against the Egg-Crate). Within just a couple of minutes he went through the hole and I then "released" the trap and caught him.

Here's a screen shot of the trap prior to realizing he wasn't going to "take the food bate"...

If you need more details, ideas, or pictures, let me know :)

 

[Balthazar]

Will it catch just the fish I want it to?? Kidding. Ok, I’ll check out a video! Thanks for the feedback.

Eventually, yes. Might even get Lucky on the first shot :). It’s better than chasing it around or ripping the tank apart. Been through it and would rather wait for the trap to do its work.:)

 

[littlefoxx]

I ambushed a fish in my 300 gallon last night while he was sleeping to get him, usually works for me

 

[Reefer Tom ATX]

I ambushed a fish in my 300 gallon last night while he was sleeping to get him, usually works for me

Do you have a lid on your tank? Whenever I remove it they scatter, even at night. Wonder if I need to leave it off while the lights go out and sneak up on him.

 

[littlefoxx]

Do you have a lid on your tank? Whenever I remove it they scatter, even at night. Wonder if I need to leave it off while the lights go out and sneak up on him.

No, I have an enclosed canopy. Well theres a hole in it I need to repair, broke the lattice on accident and my white tail decided to jump right there and went carpet surfing