P.O.S. long nose hawk fish...Should I get rid of him?

TheWeaz · 03-14-2008, 01:34 PM

Hey I was suggested a Long nose hawk @ the LFS and I fell in love with the homeboy until I noticed he is a complete jerk to everything in the tank. He goes ape **** everytime one of my shrimp ( i have a cleaner and a fire) comes out to eat... It completely pisses me off. Is it worth trying to capture or am I stuck with this little jerk? Any suggestions on an easy way to trick it into the net? I know I wont be able to just catch him. Also what do I say to the LFS? "He sucks, take him back" ??

crvz · 03-14-2008, 01:41 PM

Well, they are known to eat shrimp, so I can't say you should really blame the fish. You should be more irritated at the LFS for advising a fish thats not compatible with the inhabitants in your tank.

You could try to catch him, I've had success before. I'd recommend a trap, though, as trying to net a fish in an established tank is often hopeless.

TheWeaz · 03-14-2008, 02:10 PM

Word.. So What kind of trap do you suggest? Should I toss some food in the bottom of the net and wait for him to come to the top or do you have a better suggestion?

rhinokio · 03-14-2008, 03:01 PM

starve the tank for a few days, put some food in the net and wait,

crvz · 03-14-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWeaz

Word.. So What kind of trap do you suggest? Should I toss some food in the bottom of the net and wait for him to come to the top or do you have a better suggestion?

That may work, but it could take a few days. I'd recommend leaving the net in the tank 24/7 and putting food in it. when the fish gets comfy eating from the net... yoink!

chrischris · 03-14-2008, 03:34 PM

demand full credit from the lfs because they didnt tell you they ate shrimp

TheWeaz · 03-14-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrischris

demand full credit from the lfs because they didnt tell you they ate shrimp

Yea.. That should work considering they sold me the shrimps as well.. Good looking out.. Thanks for the heads up.

cjtice · 03-14-2008, 07:59 PM

I had problems only for a couple of days with my FlameHawk and spotted pixie hawk going after my shrimp.

Once they figured out that I feed them and the shrimp is too big, they are actually the only fish in my tank that go to my cleaner and get the full clean, even inside the mouth.

Good luck, and give it time...

Chris

[WDT]TardFarmer · 03-14-2008, 08:07 PM

1st rule of thumb that I learned the hard way is never trust the LFS... Most, not all, just want your $$$. If you know nothing about the critter at the store ask them to hold it for a bit while you go research it quick. See if they have the internet and look it up online quick. One of the local shops owners is very good about letting us research on his pc before we buy. I wish all were like that.

chrischris · 03-15-2008, 01:46 AM

ya the lfs will give you some info thats true
i also got sukered by the lfs and now i also have a longnose hawk fish with no shrimp

Kimberfish · 03-15-2008, 08:32 AM

I have a LN hawk and 2 shrimp that are also too big for him to eat and haven't had any problems. If your shrimp are bigger he will figure it out hopefully and leave them alone

bosscrab · 03-15-2008, 09:10 AM

You can make a trap out of a plastic soda bottle. You cut the top off like your were making a funnel then turn it around and stick it inside the bottle backwards. Secure w/ zip ties and put some food in the back. You might have to cut the opening a bit bigger so he can fit through.The biggest you can fit in the tank the better your chances.

Hardhead Cat · 03-15-2008, 11:59 AM

I was going to suggest the empty soda bottle trap as well, it works for fish smaller than about 4".

HHC