i have a common pleco when he gets to big for the net how do you pick them up i would be too scared and dont want to hurt him.
2006-11-05 03:58:19 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Always be careful with the dorsal spine and the lower spines. When i pick mine up i focus on the head which is quite hard with armor. Don't worry much about hurting them, they are survivors. I use my fingers to pin down the head and using three fingers i fold back the spines and get a "tight" grip and hang on. I have never been punchered by a pleco but i have been spined by catfish. And it is quite painful. If you opt for the net, i assume you have a large tank, just go to a sporting goods store and shop at the fishing tackle section for a net to scoop it up in. It works for me.
2006-11-05 05:26:29 · answer #1 · answered by redbass 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with all the above answers. I have a very large round net. Could also use a small towel/washcloth. get it underneath them then pick up the sides. I've tried that before with my oscar, was kinda messy though, have extra towels on hand.
I've also used a big pitcher that'll fit in the tank. Just dunk it in and coax the pleco/fish into it. That's probably the best for catching larger fish, especially more delicate ones. But definitely don't pick them up with your hands, their spine fins are a wee bit sharp.
2006-11-05 04:34:45 · answer #2 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used a plastic soup ladle and the net. My pleco was about 14 inches long. Have fun
2006-11-05 04:10:51 · answer #3 · answered by nonosa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
these are all wonderful suggestions - i ended up using two smaller nets and an ice cream bucket to moev my pleco that was over 10 inches long - but this required an extra set of hands and some squealing when he tried to escape! all i can say is, best of luck!
2006-11-05 06:59:53 · answer #4 · answered by canuckgal49 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DON'T PICK UP THE PLECO! They have barbs on the sides of their bodies, which will hurt if you get jabbed. Try getting a larger net to capture fish him out...If you can't do that, use 2 nets.
2006-11-05 05:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by Steph L 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a bigger net! You should be able to find one big enough at your local pet store or pond supply store. Or look online. I would pick one up with your hand, you can hurt it and it can stick you.
2006-11-05 09:38:55 · answer #6 · answered by Liam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't pick these guys up with your hand!!! They are well equipped for defense and you will end up with a very sore hand. Use a large plastic cup ( I use a slurpy cup) Gently herd him into the cup and tip it up.
2006-11-05 04:02:54 · answer #7 · answered by piper 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Obviously, get a bigger net!
2006-11-05 05:36:27 · answer #8 · answered by Kings Child 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a bigger net
2006-11-05 04:05:04 · answer #9 · answered by Skittles 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋