I'm making another attempt tomorrow.

Snakeman · Post by **Snakeman** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 5:04 pm

I rechecked my book and the species name for the doctor fish is Acanthurus chirurgus, but theu almost look the same as an ocean surgeonfish except the doctor fish has bands running across it's side and has some lines behind the eyes.

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 5:34 pm

Cool! I want one!

wtrhed · Post by **wtrhed** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 6:00 pm

Okay, how do you catch these guys? They are VERY fast!! Also, where did you find the coral banded and the tang? I've been out there SEVERAL times and never saw any. Where did you get certified?

Snakeman · Post by **Snakeman** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 6:33 pm

You have to stalk them an then pounce like a tiger when they least expect it. I chased a doctor fish today for about 30 minutes and never could catch him. I use a plasic container like you store spaghetti in. It's very clear underwater so they have a hard time seeing it. I found the coral banded shrimp on the sea wall at Alabama point. I have only seen just one. Got certified at underwater works in daphne back in the 80s and then got my Nitrox certification about 2 years ago at the same place. I wasn't able to get much today that I wanted to catch but I did get some puffers that Jeff and Mike wanted so they should be posting some pictures of them soon. The sea urchins are not plentiful like they usually are so I was only able to get 3 of them. I saw some other neat looking fish but I have to do my research before I get any to make sure they are reef safe. I could have caught a hundred damsel today if I wanted too. Those things are everywhere down there. I never see starfish. I have heard that you can get them out in the pass at alabama point but I never swim out that far.

danielmiller82 · Post by **danielmiller82** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 6:58 pm

do you SCUBA or snorkel? I wanna do that sometime...I got some good ideas for catching fish out there though. what kinda puffers and damsels?

Snakeman · Post by **Snakeman** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 8:54 pm

I scuba. I got two striped burrfish and I think a checkered puffer. They were beaugregory and dusky Damselfish.

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 11:57 pm

Here are some pictures of what Jason gave me. I haven't gotten a picture of the checkered puffer yet. By the way... I don't have room for him, so if anyone wants him let me know.

Xster · Post by **Xster** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 1:13 am

Is the checkered puffer, reef safe?

Snakeman · Post by **Snakeman** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 6:26 am

I wouldn't put in a reef tank. It probably wouldn't mess with corals but you wouldn't have a shrimp, crab, or snail left.

Snakeman · Post by **Snakeman** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 6:27 am

How is he liking his new home. It will probably take him awhile to get use to the clean water.

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:38 pm

Snakeman wrote:I wouldn't put in a reef tank. It probably wouldn't mess with corals but you wouldn't have a shrimp, crab, or snail left.

These things are like dogs in many ways... they like to "chew" on corals, they have a ton of personality, and they will beg! The chewing part is bad for your reef tank!

The checkered is in the refug right now and seems happy enough even though he is a little cramped.

ShagMan · Post by **ShagMan** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:40 pm

Post a picture of the little guy!

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 7:45 pm

You should come by the house and have a beer! If your up for a short road trip give me a call! I'll show him to you in person.

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:25 pm

I do not have a good camera and my ability to take picture is really bad, but here you go:

KrazyPlace · Post by **KrazyPlace** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:28 pm

Here is a GOOD picture of a stripped burr fish. This thing is cool!