Need advise on the best way to catch a cleaner wrasse

[my2rotties]

It was a chore let me tell you... just watching Norman and making sure he is dealing with everything. He has been alone for quite awhile, so it is a change for him. He is also a slow swimmer (wow is he easy to catch), and I have to hand feed him so the other fish don't take his food. Right now he is chowing down on nori from the clip... it is promising.

He seems pretty smart for a fish. He is just very slow and is a dainty eater... I'm just trying to teach him a special spot to eat from. I am hoping he works out and will give him a few days to adapt. At least he hand feeds so I can get him food in case he does not go to his spot I made for his meals... My naso tang seems to be quite taken by him, so I am hoping he will be happy.

I have been waiting for a nice larger cowfish for over a year now... and really went out of my way to ensure he will work out.

Originally Posted by sharuq1

Yay! Glad you caught the little guy

[reef bound]

I'm excited for you. I saw a beautiful cowfish at a local LFS and he was so sweet and docile. He allowed himself to get pet, even. I don't think I'm quite up to that challenge yet. But good for you!

[my2rotties]

Yes they are more specialized in many ways. I did not think of my powerheads or the cleaner wrasse. They are slow swimmers although they cut the water flow quite well. They need to be target fed, well at least right now he needs it. My guy eats from my hands but his frontal vision is to be desired... he nipped me by accident and it hurt.

I knew what I was getting myself into for the most part. I just did not think about cleaner wrasses or powerheads. I am glad I was able to put him into QT and deal with the issues at hand, no matter what a PITA they were.

He is showing no stress but with this type of fish it is hard to tell. They don't breath the same way and because their gills are on a hard body I can hardly see them moving. All I can do is watch him like a hawk, and try to figure out how to target feed him pellets. I know he will eat them from my fingers, but they are too small and the accidental bites do hurt.

Originally Posted by reef bound

I'm excited for you. I saw a beautiful cowfish at a local LFS and he was so sweet and docile. He allowed himself to get pet, even. I don't think I'm quite up to that challenge yet. But good for you!

[sharuq1]

If he's quick enough to catch them as they fall you could just put the tips of your fingers in the water, releasing one or two at a time at the same place every day. Just turn off the PH's beforehand and he will learn to come to that spot to eat.