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I just moved my two pims from a 29 gallon tank to my new 55 gallon. They have gotten rather large and were harrassing their neighbors.

I knew netting them was a bad idea, and tried to catch them in a cup. Of course, being the speedy little buggers that they are, I had no luck at all. I resorted to the net, and both got tangled up.

Now they're swimming around, both stressed, and both wearing bits of the now cut-up net.

First of all, what the heck should I do about the net bits on their fins? They're spiny as can be - should I try to get the net bits off of them, or should I just leave them be? They don't seem to be bothered by them, but they look horrible (and make me guilty).

Secondly, what should I have done differently? Any suggestions would be appreciated

thanks

Poke some holes in a disposable plastic container. That way you have a solid net that the fins can't get tangled in.

Been there. When I moved a big pim out of an old tank into a holding tub
he thrashed and wedged himself into the net. I let him sit in the tub, in
the net for about 40 min., hoping he would untangle himself ... but, no.

I cut him out, and he was still left with a wad on his pec fin that I
couldn't quite remove (I know now I was just too timid to see it
through!) The next day I had someone help me hold him in a towel,
and finished cutting the net off with an exacto blade.

It was clear that the section of fin where the net was wrapped was
somewhat damaged. It turned white and fell off, but has gradually
grown back.

So, I suspect you *do* need to remove the rest of the netting
for fin health.

Kathy S

thanks for the hints so far. i pretty much figured that it'd eventually cause problems with the net, but i wasn't sure if the stress of removing it would be too much for him. luckily, one of them got the net bits off on his own. maybe by the time i get home from work, he'll have taught the other how.
it's funny, i thought about poking holes in a big plastic container, but only about three hours after the fiasco was already overwith. 20/20 hindsight.