coral banded

jweed9379 · Jan 4, 2015

Who has experience with coral banded shrimp? I recently got one to help out with my cuc and since i have added him 5 fish in my tank have ended up dead...3 cardinals, a coral beauty and my male tomato clown...i have noticed that all three fish had the fins tore up...i cant confirm that it was the shrimp that killed them but.my clown died today and he had 1 fin that was tattered when he was still alive around 4 hours ago, when removed from the tank all fins including the tail were demolished...what are the chances that it would be the shrimp? My snowflake eel, six line, porcupine puffer, and my 5.5" long female tomato are untouched

Robink · Jan 4, 2015

Sorry for your losses...(
I have one for many years now and no problems. He does wave his claws when the fish get close but he's never killed one. Does get a bristleworm every now and then. He also eats the cleaner shrimps shell after he molts.
They are reef safe as far as I know.
Were the fish acting normal before they died? He would pick at them if they are dead. Could any of the fish be aggressive? Usually when my fish have torn or ragged fins or tails its from another fish, Usually my blue tang. He's a jerk and nips at the other fish when he's cranky. He also doesn't like any new additions to the tank.

jweed9379 · Jan 4, 2015

Honestly i think its my six line...my female tomato was his mate and my snowflake wouldnt hurt a fly...if my puffer was to go at it the fish would have been eaten therefore the only other one it could have been would be the six line, i know they can get pretty mean

MikeyB · Jan 4, 2015

Funny you posted this, i just pulled mine out of my tank. I've been having issues with multiple fish disappearing or just randomly dying. I came home last week to my anthias dead that i've had for over a year. I noticed that my coral banded would swipe at any fish that would swim past and did some research to see if maybe the coral banded could be my issue. Saw some people having issues so i figured i'd keep an eye on it.

Just yesterday, i fed my fish, everything was going good, then all of a sudden my CB grabbed my blue throat trigger and was holding him down so i jumped in and got him to release, and out he came :)

So yes, it could of easily of been your CB causing issues

iretthepirate · Jan 7, 2015

I hate coral banded they are mean and will try to get anything they can lay hands on. Mine would pinch my valintini puffer but it never broke his skin. The stupid thing would eat all my hermit crabs alive even though I fed him every day. your fish could be getting pinched by it since their fins are messed up and dieing of stress

brentsreef · Jan 7, 2015

Ive had mine for over 2 years and ive never had a problem. Hes bigger than my fist, he will kinda shoo the fish that get too close. I have a full cuc of snails and hermits and he doesnt go after any of them either.
Sorry for your losses

427HISS · Jan 7, 2015

I can't believe it may be the shrimp. We have one we named Arnold, and he doesn't bother fish or corals !
And he's with our small fish and corals.

Ask moderator TJ's Reef. He has great knowledge and will help you out !

So sorry with your losses !!!
Kevin