Any good ideas?

[crazyfishlady]

On my 1st fish buying trip I bought several Sarasa Comets. Big mistake they are so mean. They pick on the little fantails so bad; eating their tails and even putting little Sara's eye out. They killed an Orunda.

I spoke to Pet Smart and they will let me bring them back, but how do you catch them? My daughter and I spent the morning in the pond with nets. But they are way too fast and quick to hide. The little fantails and Koi came all around us to see what was going on, but those comets literally disappeared.

Any input would be appreciated.

[miguynmkoi]

You may try feeding your fish 1st thing in the morning when they are hungriest and keep the net ready.  Unless they normally don't come up.  Maybe corral the good fish 1st before attacking the meanies.

Other Ponders may have better ideas.  They may want to know the size of your pond and how many other fish you keep.

Sorry to hear of the unfortunate acts.  Good Luck!

[crazyfishlady]

The other nice fish in my pond do get excited when I swing the net around. The pond is a little more than 20ft long and 10ft wide, with multiple levels all lined with boulders (lots of hiding places). Not really sure how deep, but I do know it's deeper than my legs are long. Got very wet the first time I stepped to the bottom level.

I have 12 assorted Goldfish and 14 smaller Koi, all of which are very fond of schooling. I really don't know where I would coral them.

My next morning off I'll try the feeding idea; they are usually sleepy in the morning.

[Pa Nancy]

I have Sarassa's in with a Black Moor and they NEVER bother him. They all get along very well. 

[LeeAnne151]

My advice would be to remove the fancy goldfish from the pond and keep them indoors. They don't swim very well and often are the first fish eaten by predators. Their wiggling at the top of the water attracts predators. They aren't as hardy outdoors as comets, shubunkins, wakins and common goldfish and are often out competed for food or physically harassed. The fat bodied fish also often develop swim bladder problems in deep water. They were not bred to be pond fish, they truly will be much happier and healthier in an aquarium.

[Pa Nancy]

LeeAnne is right on. 

[Ky Kim]

I agree too, they your fantails would be much happier inside.

Kim

[crazyfishlady]

I thank you for the assistance, just wish I had known you all before I bought them.