How To Move A Common Pleco

[rachh004]

I am going to take two of my common plecos back and I don't know how to transport them to they store. They are about 4 inches long and are very shy. They hide in a cave so should I take that out? Should I use a net or will their fins get stuck in them?

 

[Anguilla82]

try and get a polysterene? box from your lfs, and use a net to catch. they might get a bit stuck but it'll be less stressful for them when you're catching them than chasing them around with your hands etc.

 

[lilfishie]

empty ice cream tubs work well, put them in the tank and encourage the pleco with a net into it then pull it out jus make sure you have something to cover it but allow air through

 

[kj23502]

I took my 8" back to the LFS in a disposable tupperware container. I used a net to catch it and had no issues.

 

[Tolak]

A large glass jar with a piece of zucchini in it. Go make a sandwich, come back after a while & pull out the jar, plec & all.

Plecs will get tangled in nets. For large commons or sailfins, a good pair of leather palmed gloves is your best bet. Grab behind the head, at the bony part, and lift out. If you grab too far back you will not be able to hold on, trust me.

 

[kj23502]

I didn't have rubber gloves or anything that hadn't been previously used for cleaning

The net I used was like an 8" or bigger one that I bought to use for my cichlids. It was pretty wide. I think I lucked out that he didn't get stuck