Chromis with Grouper!

watertight

Member
I have a slight problem - since I lost my V. lion I have put a divider in my 220 so I could put some smaller fish in, for a bit of a change - colour and activity. My Miniatus grouper still has 6' x 2' x 2' all to himself, and I have a 2' x 2' x 2' space for just a few smaller fish. I bought 3 fish at my LFS a while ago, 2 Barrier reef chromis and a blue green chromis. I put them into their new home on the weekend, but as it turned out, the divider wasn't quite as secure as I'd hoped, and somehow one of the barrier reef chromis got through and ended up in with the grouper!
Any idea how I can get him out of there? I did try cutting the top off a plastic coke bottle and putting some food in it, sinking the bottle, but he hasn't gone near it yet. Somehow he's managing to avoid the grouper, but I think it's only a matter of time before he becomes food! I'd really like to get him out of there. Any ideas?
 

forsfed50

Member
It may be easier to catch the grouper and move him until you can catch the chromis. Perhaps put him in a secure area like a quarantine tank or breeder basket until you've retrieved your chromis. It sucks but moving all the rock can save your small fish.
 

watertight

Member
Catching the grouper is all but out of the question - I caught him once before and it was scary! It's amazing how much power he has and how high/fast he can jump. He was nearly managing to clear the top of the tank from just a small flick of the tail, in only enough water to let him breathe. I definately won't be doing that again. He didn't eat for nearly 2 weeks after, so it must have stressed him out pretty bad.
I've all but given up on the chromis now. He may even have become dinner, because I haven't seen him at all today
 
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