Pleco transfer

I've managed to catch my loaches before, but I have never, ever been able to snag my pleco.  I've had it since it was 3 inches long and it's never been out of its 10-gallon tank, which was originally the quarantine tank when it first came from the store. It's about six or seven inches long now.

 

You may want to try removing all the ornaments from the tank, and then lowering the water level, so he has less places to hide. Make sure your net is big enough also.

 

I use two nets with fish that are difficult to catch. If you have two nets, try to use one net to chase into the other net. Don't chase it around for too long though because it will stress your pleco.

 

Since Plecos are really bad to get their fins and spines caught in nets, I usually remove the tank decorations and then use a small colander the one in the pic is 6-7 inches long.
Carol

 

I agree with butterfly.you can catch them with your hands but you are taking a risk of hurting the pleco,or the pleco hurting you.I have done it a couple of times though. :-\

 

yeah they are soooo hard to catch! I have never done it, when I got him from the quarantine to the tank my dad did it after a looong time...

 

I use a large glass pitcher, which they have a hard time seeing.
Butterflie's coulnder is also another worthy method.
I also use the bare handed method.

Dino

 

Like Gunnie said, get everything out of there and lower the water level. Then prop up a large net in the tank. Your fish should soon get used to the net. After a few hours or a day, stick another net in and see if you can chase him into the net. Otherwise try catching him with your bare hands. Be careful, since many catfish have spines that can hurt you or get caught in a net.

 

is it bad for the fish if you grab them in ur tank??