how do I catch the skunks!?

[kamazza]

I have 3 skunk loaches that are becoming a problem in my fully planted 65 gallon aquarium. They chase everyone! Having read up on them after I got them(big mistake) I am stuck with 3 lightning fast bullies. All my fish have managed to hold their own, but I fear my new elephant nose will not withstand the bullying like my other fish. I want to relocate them to my 20 gallon but I cannot for the life of me catch them! Food seems to lure them like a fat kid on cake but as soon as I move the net they're gone! Any suggestions or clever ideas are appreciated! My last option is tearing apart the tank!

btw I noticed they make alot of clicking noises. Has anyone ever noticed this before?

[glenna]

check out this thread from the planted tank website

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/fish/ ... -tank.html

[mrsleny]

I also made the same mistake when buying my sumo loach (Schistura balteata). He turned out to be a real bully and terrorized the rasboras so much they went into hiding at the back of the tank behind some big plants. My husband used the "soda pop" method to catch him though it took quite a few tries. He is now re-homed and is terrorizing fish at least 10x his size. His new owner gets a kick watching him chase his plecos.

The soda pop method also worked for catching my CAE (also bought in error).

Good luck!

[starsplitter7]

There's been a lot of discussion about clicking and how the fish do it. My loaches do it when they are happy or when they really like food I have fed them. Don't know if it is because they lioke the food or they are trying to keep other fish away.

Skunks are super boisterous, and I have had a pair for about 3 years. I am afraid to get more because these two are well behaved -- I don't want to push my luck. If I keep them busy and happy, they bother the fish in the tank less. But these two really are on their best behavior as far as skunks are concerned. I've never had problems. Did you Quarantine them before they went in the tnak? That would give them time to settle in.