Missing fish!!!

The_Strobe · 01/21/2007, 09:12 AM

I am missing a few fish and cannot find a trace of them. They showed no signs of distress in fact just the opposite. These were very healty and strong and have been in the tank for a long time. I have a few starfish that have grown really big, 12" across, a lot of crabs (mainly emerald) but no predators. Basically, all tangs and angels and goby's. Any thoughts???

Thanks

Gordonious · 01/21/2007, 09:17 AM

What color are the star fish? Have you heard any clicking noises in the tank?

Gordonious · 01/21/2007, 09:21 AM

I ask about the color of the star fish because green brittle stars like to take a sleeping or slow moving fish if they can. Scientist have video of a pack of brittle star fish ripping limbs from a small octopus, or so I heard.

Clicking noises could mean you have a pistol shrimp. Another similar possibility would be a mantis shrimp. (If you want to get rid of the mantis shrimp if you find one I want to be the first one to offer to give it a good home in a species tank.)

Do you have egg create or some other kind of lid on the tank? Carpet surfing behind the cabinet could be an option.

Jon

dvmsn · 01/21/2007, 09:28 AM

I would also blame the serpent stars

The_Strobe · 01/21/2007, 09:33 AM

the star's colors are Orange and Black. I do have several other brittle stars. I haven't heard any clicking but I am on the look out for the dreaded Mantis!

nmprisons · 01/21/2007, 10:28 AM

what types of fish? large male emerald crabs will certainly kill and eat them.

Gordonious · 01/21/2007, 05:30 PM

nmprisons where did you hear this about emerald crabs?

nmprisons · 01/21/2007, 05:38 PM

I have seen it happen, live in my own tank.

Gordonious · 01/21/2007, 05:41 PM

Kill and eat? Was the fish sick? Details.

sulp · 01/21/2007, 07:38 PM

I'm interested in the Emerald crab story as well. I have never heard of one hunting and killing a healthy fish. Are u sure it was an Emerald?

01/21/2007, 09:12 AM	#1
The_Strobe Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Manhattan Beach Posts: 187	Missing fish!!! I am missing a few fish and cannot find a trace of them. They showed no signs of distress in fact just the opposite. These were very healty and strong and have been in the tank for a long time. I have a few starfish that have grown really big, 12" across, a lot of crabs (mainly emerald) but no predators. Basically, all tangs and angels and goby's. Any thoughts??? Thanks __________________ If only I knew then what I think I know now!!! Current Tank Info: 300 gallon- fuge, sump, skimmer, reactor, closed loop

01/21/2007, 09:33 AM	#5
The_Strobe Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Manhattan Beach Posts: 187	the star's colors are Orange and Black. I do have several other brittle stars. I haven't heard any clicking but I am on the look out for the dreaded Mantis! __________________ If only I knew then what I think I know now!!! Current Tank Info: 300 gallon- fuge, sump, skimmer, reactor, closed loop

01/21/2007, 10:28 AM	#6
nmprisons Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,520	what types of fish? large male emerald crabs will certainly kill and eat them. __________________ 25gallon tank up and cycling since 7/29/06 Mostly LPS reef (lords, micros, duncans, etc.) with some ricordia florida and zoanthids. Current Tank Info: 25 gallon, 28lbs of Marshall Island and Kaelini Live Rock, 2x65 power compact lighting, IFS Protein Skimmer

01/21/2007, 05:38 PM	#8
nmprisons Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,520	I have seen it happen, live in my own tank. __________________ 25gallon tank up and cycling since 7/29/06 Mostly LPS reef (lords, micros, duncans, etc.) with some ricordia florida and zoanthids. Current Tank Info: 25 gallon, 28lbs of Marshall Island and Kaelini Live Rock, 2x65 power compact lighting, IFS Protein Skimmer

01/21/2007, 07:38 PM	#10
sulp Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Philadelphia area Posts: 1,254	I'm interested in the Emerald crab story as well. I have never heard of one hunting and killing a healthy fish. Are u sure it was an Emerald? __________________ There is something in the psychology of mankind to which coral reefs never fail to appeal. - Stanley J. Gardiner Current Tank Info: 12g JBJ Nano Cube 14lbs Mixed Figi & Tonga Branch - 24' Coralife Aqualite Pro 150w 10,000k HQI MH 2 96w true actinics. Going to have a mix of SPS & softies

01/21/2007, 09:17 AM	#2
Gordonious Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newark DE Posts: 3,393	What color are the star fish? Have you heard any clicking noises in the tank?

01/21/2007, 09:21 AM	#3
Gordonious Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newark DE Posts: 3,393	I ask about the color of the star fish because green brittle stars like to take a sleeping or slow moving fish if they can. Scientist have video of a pack of brittle star fish ripping limbs from a small octopus, or so I heard. Clicking noises could mean you have a pistol shrimp. Another similar possibility would be a mantis shrimp. (If you want to get rid of the mantis shrimp if you find one I want to be the first one to offer to give it a good home in a species tank.) Do you have egg create or some other kind of lid on the tank? Carpet surfing behind the cabinet could be an option. Jon

01/21/2007, 09:28 AM	#4
dvmsn Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Surfside Beach, SC Posts: 3,008	I would also blame the serpent stars

01/21/2007, 05:30 PM	#7
Gordonious Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newark DE Posts: 3,393	nmprisons where did you hear this about emerald crabs?

01/21/2007, 05:41 PM	#9
Gordonious Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newark DE Posts: 3,393	Kill and eat? Was the fish sick? Details.