How to Catch Aquarium Fish

Sooner or later you'll have to catch a fish in your aquarium in order to move it. Catching an aquarium fish often involves chasing the terrified creature around frantically with a net. The chore is typically complicated by tank fixtures such as plants, decorations and rockscapes. The existing layout of your tank may cause netting a particular fish to be very difficult if not impossible. This activity is highly stressful for all the watery denizens, and stress is a well-known fish killer. The solution is to outwit the fish by working smarter, not harder.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean empty plastic bottle
  • Screwdriver or ice pick
  • Sinking food pellet
  • White net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the top off of a clean empty plastic bottle just below the shoulder.

    • 2

      Flip the top of the bottle upside down like a funnel. Insert it into the large part of the bottle. Push the funnel downward firmly to wedge it tightly in place.

    • 3

      Poke several holes in the side of the trap with a screwdriver or ice pick. This will allow air bubbles to escape so that your trap won't try to float away from you.

    • 4

      Submerge the trap slowly to allow it to fill with water. Scoop up a little gravel with the front edge of the trap to weigh it down.

    • 5

      Herd the desired fish slowly and carefully toward the mouth of the trap with a white net. Aquarium fish are repelled by white objects. It will go into the large mouth and enter the small hole deeper inside the trap in an effort to escape the net. The fish won't be able to figure out how to get out of the trap right away.

    • 6

      Tilt the trap upward and bring the opening to the surface. Remove the inner funnel and gently dump the fish into your waiting net.