I almost feel guilty considering this

[GaryZ]

It's my Damsels. If I knew then what I knew now, I would have never added them. I want them gone. And I'll never catch them without pulling out a bunch of rock. Is it possible to starve them to death. I hate to be considering this recourse, I don't want to willingly kill anything, but I don't know what else to do. Any insight on what I should do would be greatly appreciated.


On a sidenote:

What the heck is a Yahoo! Slurp Spider?

[yankeebobo]

Time to move some scape around and try to catch them. This is unfortunately why so many don't recommend cycling with damsels. Believe it or not, they can get very aggressive. If you can, lower the water level by removing some temporarily - less height to "chase them in". Starvation? They will graze. Good luck.

[Reefland]

I think the right thing to do would be to spend the time trying to catch them. Entice them with some food or try to catch them while their sleeping. I know it will take some patience and effort but it's the least we could do for the fish. Just because they are cheap we shouldn't consider them disposable.

P.S. That Slurp Spider is a very thirsty Yahoo bot browsing the web looking for ICEE's, I think it prefers Blueberry.

[CSeaSee]

Is there a chance you have a clear container that could be used as a trap? They will be scared of something like a pitcher at first, but they will get used to it. You could stay up on a stakeout after the lights go out...

[j_man]

Ebay has some awesome cheap fish traps that work. Basically a small clear glass container with a clear funnel in it. You put some good food in and the can get in but not get out.

[Poseidon]

I used some netting from JoAnnes fabric. I have a piece about 4 ft by 3 feet, and use it to cover the rock. Just make sure the fish are "on top" of the netting when you cover the live rock, then when you get your net out to catch them they have no where to go hide! Worked great for a VERY FAST Naso Tang!

[GaryZ]

Thanks for all the ideas, I'm so glad that I don't have to resort to any kind of killing. Would be a real shame to have my first saltwater fish go out like that. I'll prolly try the net idea first. Since I don't have any corals or anything, it should be pretty easy. Thanks again.