How to catch Damselfish

Hello I need some advice on how to catch two Damselfish, they are spawning and very territorial, I have tried the plastic bottle method with no such luck. I'm really not wanting tear my reef apart to get them and want to do that as a very last resort.

 

You could try a barb less fishing hook (smaller the better) with their favorite meaty food on the end.

 

Okay, does that hurt the fish, just incase I catch one I didn't mean too?:-/

 

Absolutely.I would never use a hook.cry:

 

Assuming you use the right hook (the chart shows hook sizes) using the smallest hook and smashing the barb, it'll heal up quick if your fish are health. Of course it'll hurt, I have no idea how much because I am not the fish whisperer, but i imagine its not that bad.

 

Not sure what else to use then without tearing apart the tank and considering the bottle method didn't work.

 

I have netted fish as they are at the top of the tank feeding. Right after I put the food in and the fish I need to catch comes up to feed I net them quickly.


It was the only way to catch my coral beauty without tearing down the tank. It can and most likely will take a few tries over a couple days. If you miss the first time they usually are spooked and won't come back to the surface until the next feeding.

 

I have caught a few fish using my Acclimate box by Reef Gently. Otherwise, the next easiest (depending on how big your tank is) is to remove as much water as possible, corner them, and catch them trying to remove as little rock as possible.

 

Maybe I'll give that a shot, Thanks!

 

Oh okay I'll have to look into getting an acclimation box my lfs did not have any fish traps so that's why I used the plastic bottle method. Where did you purchase yours?