how to catch a parrot fish in 150g reef

[jelf]

the dude at the fish store told me a parrot fish would be ok for a reef system so i bought it. he leaves everything alone exept my cup coral. he picks at it like its a scab. and any sign of me and he vanishes. all of my rock is perfecly balanced how i want it and i don't want an avalanch or i'll pound my head against the wall untill i'm dead. any suggestions???(it took me a long time reefscaping)

[Fishfirst]

I'd go to a different LFS. Obviously they know jack. A parrot fish wasn't a good choice for any tank, much less a reef tank. They have a very specialized diet, and are best left in the ocean. Also they DO eat corals. Unfortunately I don't know of a way you can catch them, have you tried a trap of some sort? How big is he? You may have to drain 50% of the water to corner and trap him with a net.

[jelf]

he's a pretty decent size, i guess i'll have to drain my water and demolish my tank. i should have done my research but this was a very good LFS. but what i've learned about a reef hobby is people love to sound like they know what they're talking about. trial and error i guess. especially the younger guys at LFS's!!!

[jelf]

thank GOD for RC

[sirhelm]

Here is a suggestion

Get a Lees breeder box (the ones the lFS use to place the fish in when they catch them and transfer to the bag).

Put it into the tank on the bottom (you may have to weigh it down).

Put some food the Parrot eats in it and see if he comes out and goes into the box. When he does block the entrance with the net.

You have to be quick tho. I would turn the lights off in the room and leave only the acetinics on in the tank. Hopefully he won't see your or be delayed in seeing you when you arppoach.

Also you may end up having more than him in there as well depending on your stocking.

SH

[jelf]

thanks for the post, i'll try that. stupid mistakes aren't always easily corrected. i wish i could spear him.

[Steven Pro]

Is this fish a very aggressive eater? If so, you could remove him with a hook and line. I have gone fishing for fish in aquarium on numerous occasions. Just file down the barb so you can get them off the hook easily.

Otherwise, Joe Yaiullo passed along a great tip for removing fish from displays. Turn off all the lights on the tank and in the room and make the aquarium as dark as possible. Wait several hours. Then creep back to the tank and quickly/abruptly turn on all the lights. You temporarily disorient the fish so you cna easily reach in and grab them. It helps if the fish rests somewhere consistently that is also easy to get to.

[jelf]

this fish is a scavanger and won't eat the food i tried giving him, he just picks around. i will however try the ambush approach. appreciate the idea!

[kenny77]

i will wait until he go to sleep and try to catch him wile sleeping. whe i do this i dont use net, i use my hand and a specimen box inside the tank. and i just slowly move the fish until he is inside. then i cover the box with my other hand i take it out. also i turn off any pump so they dont feel the change in water movement.

[jelf]

thanks kenn