Small Tank.. two disappearing fish??

[saltyMJ]

Geez, not really sure then. I don't know what else randomly takes out fish other than disease or a predator. Emerald crabs can be problematic, but I would think if yours got big enough to be taking down fish, you'd see him from time to time. Gorilla crabs are more likely to take fish, and they hide all day, coming out typically after the lights are off. In fact, if you haven't yet, check the tank after the lights have been off, use a flashlight, and maybe you'll find the culprit here.

Thanks. I do look in after lights out from time to time but not really too often. Someone else suggested we leave some bait out overnight and see if anyone comes out of hiding for it! I'm going to try it tonight and see.

 

[saltyMJ]

No Serpent Stars?

None that we added knowingly or have ever seen.

 

[Tahoe61]

None that we added knowingly or have ever seen.

You would know if you had one.
How old are those clowns? Do you have a cuc that would consume dead tank inhabitants.

 

[saltyMJ]

You would know if you had one.
How old are those clowns? Do you have a cuc that would consume dead tank inhabitants.

Had the clowns for about 2 1/2 years. I do have a small clean up crew. 3 blue legs and 5 or 6 nassarius snails.

 

[ronsonb]

Do you have a lid ?

Yea I was thinking they did the free Willy as well

 

[winxp_man]

Oh you don’t know do you……?

Here is the answer…..

 

[BryanM]

Any clicking from the tank? That would indicate mantis shrimp.... and if you have one it could definitely be the answer.

 

[saltyMJ]

Any clicking from the tank? That would indicate mantis shrimp.... and if you have one it could definitely be the answer.

We have a pistol shrimp so we hear him snapping all the time at night. Does the mantis shrimp make a similar noise? Or something different?

 

[BryanM]

We have a pistol shrimp so we hear him snapping all the time at night. Does the mantis shrimp make a similar noise? Or something different?

Same sound…. But the pistol would only kill a fish that’s already suffering

 

[saltyMJ]

I have an update to this mystery.. well sort of.. I replaced my two missing fish. It's been over a month and all has been well. However, just this afternoon I hear a splash and then I hear my pistol shrimp start snapping like crazy. I look over at the tank and my flasher wrasse is not out and swimming as usual. After a few minutes of searching I found him lying on his side at the bottom breathing heavy. It's now been about 30 minutes of him lying there and breathing heavy. He is obviously stunned, maybe even paralyzed. What the heck just happened!? Is this what happened to my other two "vanishing' fish?

 

[saltyMJ]

This is what he's been like for over half an hour now...

 

[SomeHappyFish]

I gonna say it's not a pistol shrimp but a mantis shrimp. Seen this too many times now

 

[saltyMJ]

More to the story.... My flasher wrasse yet again went missing this morning.. but this time I found evidence!! I just found him half eaten.. picture attached. Looks like a crab to me?? Any thoughts?