How To Catch A Pleco By Hand?

[Spike_ea_2k6]

i have two 9" LOO1's, everytime i catch them with the net there fins rip, and i want to start catching them by hand how do i go about this?

 

[smithrc]

tupperware is your friend (plastic tubs)

place one strategically in the tank then "shoo" the plec into it and lift it out

 

[stang1]

Exactly what Russell said. We use an ice cream tub to catch ours, knew it would come in handy for something.

 

[PlecMama]

Having recently had very good experiences with carrier bags, I recommend them.

Submerge the carrier bag, let it balloon up full of water, then use the "shooing it" method to get the beast in the bag, then you can lift the whole bag and beast out into your bucket.

The benefit here is that *if* you actually have to pick your plec up with your hand for any reason, you can just change the shape of the bag until you got it, I did this when taking my big guys out of the bag and into the bathtub. Got the chance for a little plec inspection without having to chase it round and catch it again, I just tipped the water out and then picked them out.

Be careful the fins don't rip the bag though, have the bucket ready....none of mine actually put their sharps out at me though because they were minimally handled and chased before they were caught - which was a joy, we usually end up looking like survivors of a ship wreck after we have caught the big guys by hand.

Measured Nessie at 15 inches today, holy plec Batman!