The case of the missing Banggai Cardinalfish

[FrugalReeferJon]

Before I start, I just want to say that I am not looking for any definite answers of what happened to my Banggai Cardinalfish. I am curious though, of what everybody’s theories are of what may have happened to him.

A little background on my tank, a 33 total gallon Waterbox, SPS dominant tank that’s been running for almost 4 years now. Inhabitants include a pair of Ocellarus Clowns, Pajama Cardinal, Banggai Cardinal, Royal Gramma and a Springer Damsel. These 6 are the original inhabitants of the tank and have all gotten along well except for minor scuffles that break out every now and then as the fish have grown larger.

This morning as I’m doing my daily maintenance after coming home from work (I work graves), I notice that my Banggai is nowhere to be found in the tank. I proceed to look in the overflow, the sump, the jungle of electrical cords in the back, around the tank, the floor, nothing. I’m even using a high powered LED work light to look. It’s as if he’s disappeared off the face of the planet.

There were no visible signs of him being sick. He was plump and healthy and ate like a pig. The only thing though that may have been a cause of concern was he and the Pajama Cardinal would get into minor scuffles every now and then. But these fights always lasted for only a few seconds if even that so I wasn’t worried.

I’m thinking either 1) he was beaten to the verge of death and the Nassarius snails and bristleworms got to and made a meal out of him or 2) he jumped out of the tank and one of the three cats in our household found and made a meal out of him during the night. Any other possible explanations that you can think of?

 

[tsharpe291]

sounds like you've covered some good possibilities. sometimes when fish get sick they will hide deep in the rock work somewhere and if they die in there you probably won't see any signs of them again.

 

[VintageReefer]

Before I start, I just want to say that I am not looking for any definite answers of what happened to my Banggai Cardinalfish. I am curious though, of what everybody’s theories are of what may have happened to him.

A little background on my tank, a 33 total gallon Waterbox, SPS dominant tank that’s been running for almost 4 years now. Inhabitants include a pair of Ocellarus Clowns, Pajama Cardinal, Banggai Cardinal, Royal Gramma and a Springer Damsel. These 6 are the original inhabitants of the tank and have all gotten along well except for minor scuffles that break out every now and then as the fish have grown larger.

This morning as I’m doing my daily maintenance after coming home from work (I work graves), I notice that my Banggai is nowhere to be found in the tank. I proceed to look in the overflow, the sump, the jungle of electrical cords in the back, around the tank, the floor, nothing. I’m even using a high powered LED work light to look. It’s as if he’s disappeared off the face of the planet.

There were no visible signs of him being sick. He was plump and healthy and ate like a pig. The only thing though that may have been a cause of concern was he and the Pajama Cardinal would get into minor scuffles every now and then. But these fights always lasted for only a few seconds if even that so I wasn’t worried.

I’m thinking either 1) he was beaten to the verge of death and the Nassarius snails and bristleworms got to and made a meal out of him or 2) he jumped out of the tank and one of the three cats in our household found and made a meal out of him during the night. Any other possible explanations that you can think of?

Both possible. I will say this. I had a 4” tomini tang that vanished. Saw him acting fine one day. Then next day didn’t see him. Solid lid and sealed overflow. Looked everywhere. Even took out the rocks. Gone.

A decent clean up crew can get rid of a body in a single night…no evidence

I’m sorry for the potential loss. Hopefully he’s just a super good hider and he comes out when he’s ready

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I've had fish together for years! Trust me it doesn't mean they don't get more aggressive as they grow, even after 3- 4 years aggression can start. 6 fish in a 30 is a very full tank, even more so with 2 clowns and a damsel. Good luck

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

I've had fish together for years! Trust me it doesn't mean they don't get more aggressive as they grow, even after 3- 4 years aggression can start. 6 fish in a 30 is a very full tank, even more so with 2 clowns and a damsel. Good luck

I realize that which is why I stated in my original post about minor scuffles that break out every now and then as the fish have grown larger. I guess my description made it sound worse than it actually is which wasn’t my intent. I know it sounds crazy but everyone actually gets along well with one another for the most part. Everyone pretty much minds their own business except if one gets too close to another for their liking. The only two which seem to have this problem are the Royal Gramma and the Pajama Cardinal. The reason for the high fish load goes back to the tanks beginnings when it had a tendency to bottom out nutrients. The higher stock helped out a lot.

 

[Reef Breeder 2013]

The same thing happened to me with a Neon Goby; one day it simply disappeared without a trace, and it didn't even have any signs of illness!

This is something that often happens in the aquarium hobby; sometimes fish disappear without a trace...

Well, case closed, your cats ate it.