How to Care for Fish That Got Stuck in Anemones

Anemones are bizarre jelly-like creatures, which inhabit coral reef environments. These colorful invertebrate animals capture fish by stinging them with nematocysts that are located on the end of their tentacles. Marine fish in the confines of an aquarium are occasionally caught by an anemone. Provided you respond quickly enough, it may be possible to save a fish that has been captured by an anemone.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium net
  • Breeding trap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse your hands under warm running water to remove any creams or oils, which are highly detrimental to your water and beneficial bacteria cultures.

    • 2

      Turn off all filters in case the injured fish is drawn into the intake stem of a pump after you have removed it from the grip of the anemone. The fish will be in shock at this point and will typically not be able to swim correctly or prevent itself from being pulled toward a pump's intake port.

    • 3

      Place your hand into the aquarium and touch the mouth of the anemone, if it has begun to ingest the fish. This may be sufficient for the anemone to release its grip on the fish and to pull into itself, expelling the fish from its mouth.

    • 4

      Grip onto the tail fin of the fish if the anemone will not release it after you have touched the invertebrate's mouth. Pull gently on the fish's tail. This unexpected interference is often enough to have the anemone release the fish immediately. Anemones will always swallow a fish head first. The process of swallowing can be lengthy and in many cases the fish will still be alive while being ingested.

    • 5

      Use an aquarium net to catch the fish as soon as it is released by the anemone.

    • 6

      Hang a breeding trap, such as those used for female fresh water live bearers, onto the rim of the aquarium and place the fish into this trap. The breeding trap will protect the fish and prevent it from being blown around the aquarium by pumps, at a time when it is stressed and disoriented and unable to swim correctly. The fish will however still be in the same water, with the same temperature to which it had been accustomed.

    • 7

      Turn the filters back on.

    • 8

      Turn the aquarium lights off and leave the fish undisturbed until the next morning.

    • 9

      Return the fish to the aquarium if it is swimming in an upright position and appears to be alert and active.