Confused swordtail

[fatguppy]

I have a juvenile female swordtail that has miraculaously started truning into a male - I know they can do this but the laugh is although there are other swordtails in the tank he completely ignores them and tries to get fresh with the silver hatchet fish.

He displays, swims backwards and curls his tail around them. Sadly they are not even vaguely impressed and simply swim away.

And on another note - how the hell do you catch them? We want to move him out of the main tank because there is another male swordie in there who will no doubt protect his females. The juvenile knows we are after him. Everytime we lift the lid he disappears without trace. He's teasing us as well because he swims happily in open water most of the time and then the minute we even think about catching him - he dives for cover. This has been going on for a week now and we are getting a little frustrated.

We've tried sneaking up on him, putting food in the net to attract him, approaching him from behind - all to no avail. Little beggar!

 

[balloon molly]

try turning off the lights

 

[xxSarahxx]

In a situation like this I try and catch them in the middle of a water change!! This means there is less water for them to swim in but be careful of the stress levels and also that it doesn't take too long. I also use two nets....one to scare the fish into the other net. It can be difficult though! Pranksters!! If only they knew it was for their own good!

 

[Irishlax627]

I had trouble catching all of my zebras today when i switched tanks they are so small and fast but i used two nets and trapped him in the corner.

 

[fatguppy]

Cheers! I can't believe that someone so small can be so much trouble!

I agree with turning the lights off - but of course he's more difficult to spot. The thing that amazes me is that he bloody well KNOWS when I'm trying to catch him - I'm convinced of it!!!

 

[Weaver]

Ive given up trying to catch the last of my serpae tetras this evening.Hes hiding amongst the plants and the whole tank looks as if it was in an earthquake
Isnt it amazing that the fish you dont want to catch swim right into the net ?
Good luck trying to catch him--I think I will try a harpoon tomorrow!!!!!

 

[Polardbear]

I've given up on capturing swordies unless I remove everything from the tank. All plants, all decorations, the power head, etc. Once everything is removed they are a piece of cake to capture. It takes 10 minutes or so of prep work and then 30 seconds to make the capture. I usually do a water change at that point since everything is already out.