Catching jawfish

[2poor2reef]

I need to move a jawfish and my first attempt with a net failed and left the jawfish pretty freaked. I've had this bluespot for about six months and I don't want to stress it any more than necessary. Can anyone with success in this area give me some advice? I have typically netted fish at night but these jawfish sleep in dug, covered holes.

 

[Anonymous]

check out the mirror idea in this thread:

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=18324

 

[AgentSPS]

The mirror trick sounds like it might work well but from what I know about jawfish behavior they are very timid and will not venture out far from their burrow. If the mirror does not work, you might try my proven method. I know I should not admit it but I have used HOOKS! I once had this grouper in my reef and nothing worked so I purchased a very small hook and a thin line. Put a little shrimp on it and went fishing in my fishtank! Took maybe 5 seconds to have a catch. I used cutters to clip the barb off the hook and slipped it out. Absolutely no visible damage to his mouth.

 

[Anonymous]

you could also try placing a net over the burrow at nite,after he retires, with the lights out(use an oversize net, so that the 'pocket' is still a fair distance from the burrow's opening.

wait with your hand on the net, before your lights come on, and before the jaw usually first comes out-you may end up w/him swimming right in!

good luck-let us know how it goes!

 

[2poor2reef]

Thanks for the help guys. Those are some very good ideas.

 

[Chucker]

You might also try putting some short lengths of PVC in the tank. They may take up residence in them, and be fairly easy to quickly cap the ends while teh jaw is inside.

 

[Lynn]

Lay the net over the hole. Then take a bendable straw and gently push it into his burrow. He will fly out of there and into the net.

 

[AgentSPS]

Since I hear that these jawfish are very skiddish and always look to jump out of the tank, get your catchers mit out and pull an all nighter next to your tank