Wrasse trap

Tati · Jun 5, 2019

Any advises on DIY traps to get a wrasse?
My 6-stripe wrasse needs to be rehires ASAP as he doesn’t allow my beloved fire gobies live in peace.
Any advices on how to trap him?
Thnx

ScottieB · Jun 5, 2019

I heard a discussion on a Podcast about catching a 6 line, they were discussing the same problem. Someone mentioned that if you adjust your LEDs to all red and turn off all the other lights in the room the fish will not see the net coming until they are in it. Not sure if this works but apparently they cant see red? Seems like an easy, worthwhile thing to try.

Otherwise you can check with your local aquarium club to see if someone has a fish trap? Wish I had a blueprint for a DIY version for you.

Scurvy · Jun 5, 2019

DIY 2 Liter bottle trap almost never fails me. Damsels and larger fish are the only things I haven’t gotten with the soda bottle trap. Wrasses Ive caught at times before even baiting it.

mattzang · Jun 5, 2019

time is probably of the essence, similar thread here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/aggressive-dottyback.608007/

if the bottle trap doesn't work i'd do the drain tank thing to get it out. i caught my sixline easily that way

Snitch · Jun 5, 2019

Good luck - wrasses are smart and if you don't succeed with whatever trap the first time (if it happens to get back out, or you spook it), it'll never go back in - at least that's how it's been for me every single time...

But - the inverted bottle trap works well for a lot of fish (lawnmower blennies especially) and I've actually fished out fish with hooks before (big, mean maroon clowns). Draining the tank obviously works well too, and it's not that stressful on the corals and fish.