Lionfish Handling

[benj420]

I'm considering getting a Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish but don't know how to handle a fish like this. I guess a standard net wouldn't do it, so how do you transfer it into your QT without a net?

 

[slothy]

find a container (one that it fits into) and scoop it up

 

[steve40]

very carefully lol
i saw sometype of scooper at the LFS that i thought was pretty cool. it looks like a spoon that is used to pour punch but the round part is alot deaper and looks like a bowl with a handle attached to it. it is clear and see-through and has an elongated handle. I was actually looking through the internet and havent seen any articles with that topic.

 

[robchuck]

You could also use a net to chase it into a container. That is what I do with all of my fish when I need to move them. This method gives you less of a chance of injuring a fish or tearing a fin.

 

[musipilot]

I use a plastic strainer (big one, for spaghetti) to move lions, and also use it for my long spined urchin. Works great.

 

[simm]

I used a net and chased him into a container as well. But if he gets into the net leave it and he will wiggle his way out.

 

[kev]

Is it ok to net a lionfish like any other fish? THats how my LFS got mine for me. Is that bad?

 

[simm]

Iv done it both ways. However they can get tangled up in it and probably break a few spines but they will untangle themselves.

 

[entice59]

i just scoop it off the water like a bear tring to catch the salmon with its paw. Only a real man can handle pain! MUAH HAHAHAHAHHA im kidding
i saw the lfs guy just get a big rubbermaid container and just slow scoop it up so it wont startle the fish...

 

[buzz]

Well, if you get stung....come on....some of you know where I'm going with this....just.......................PEE ON IT!!!!!
Heh Heh

 

[entice59]

yeah and dont suck on the wound either... it makes it worst..

 

[benj420]

Actually, I know the answer to that one. It is like a bee sting. A pretty good sized bee, but is rarely fatal. It is probably just about as likely that you would die of a bee sting. Just run it under hot water and it will help to detoxify the toxin.
I didn't expect to get this many answers, so I'm going to put up a post in the Reef Section about how people net, scoop, strain their fish. Should get a lot of good tips.