Why are Tetras So Hard to Catch?

[Sasha]

I was wondering why tetras are very difficult to catch? Today I decided to move my 4 Pristella tetras and 2 Neon tetras into my 29 gallon tank, where their colors are more intense in a natural environment. All of my guppies, mollies and platies simply WANT to be caught, so I often have to avoid it whenever the net goes into the tank. This is the method that I use when I have to catch my tetras . . .

I attempt to net the tetras by chasing them around the tank a few times, learning which way is their "escape route." For these clever fish, they always slip through some plants in the right corner of my tank. Then, I set up a trap by placing my larger net in the plants, blocking their route where they always head to, so to trick them into going in the net and not around back. With the smaller net I go after them and guide them toward their opening of the hidden net, which to them is still their "escape route." They all dash around and dart into the net, were I immedtiatly lift it up and capture them. Maybe tetras don't like to be caught. Does this happened to anybody else?

 

[tmlhaus]

I had to catch 2 silver dollars this morning (I traded them in as they are still small but will get much too large for just a 55 gallon tank--not fair to the fish).
I wound up ripping up some of the plants, luckily they're all fake, so they couldn't go hiding in there. Something about those tetras...God just gave them extra speed I guess!!

 

[StanTheBetta]

I was changing the gravel in my 10 and I took almost all the water out and filled a bucket up to keep my fish in for a while. Well lets just say its harder than you'd think to catch serpae tetras in 2 inches of water

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

well they are little bright colored fish they are direct targets for bigger hungry fish.they hafta be fast

 

[CatLover]

They're small so they're able to zip around unlike a large pleco or something.
Actually my neons were always MUCH easier to catch than my platies.

 

[BigSteve]

♂ Yes, tetras can be very fast. Most smaller fish seem to be
fast, especially if they have to be (like being chased around with a net).
I have found whenever I need to catch a tetra, I have to take out virtually all
plants and decorations, and sometimes even lower the water level to be able to
net 'em. It's a pain, but about the only way to catch them. And I have had to
catch quite a few that I've had to remove due to aggression, unadaptability, etc.
The tetras I have now are a pretty good bunch.

 

[bettasplendenlover]

my black phantoms are easy to catch! they swim over the net!

 

[bettasplendenlover]

my black phantoms are easy to catch! they swim over the net!

sorry double post )