Murder?

[don_chuwish]

I think we have a murderer in the tank. Two nights, two deaths. No illness or odd behavior from either of the deceased prior to their sudden demise.

36G bowfront
Fluval 305 canister
small HOB refugium with chaeto
Ammo 0
NitrItes 0
NitrAtes 10
Salinity 1.025
pH 8.0

All stable.

First the Banggai Cardinal - just disappeared overnight, no trace
2nd the Royal Gramma - found on the sand in the morning, being feasted upon by hermits, then finished off by our little Emerald crab

Remaining Inhabitants:
Peppermint Shrimp
small Emerald crab
Pair of tank bred True Percs
Green Clown Goby
Six Line Wrasse
Red Banded Hi-Fin Goby / Candy Strip Pistol pair
snail/hermit CUC
Various corals

Suspects:
Clowns getting ready to spawn? They seem to be cleaning & prepping the Mini-Jet powerhead as a nesting spot.
Peppermint shrimp - it is a bit aggressive about food. We think it killed off a couple of feather duster worms previously.
Other ideas??

I'm away from home right now but my wife will be watching more closely tonight.

- D

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

It could be the percs that can get very agressive when spawning. Thats mu number 1 choice. Second is the wrasse that can also become pretty agressive if not fed enough. I honestly dont think its the shrimp

 

[don_chuwish]

Thanks, yes the clowns are my top suspects too. The wrasse is still really small and has plenty of pods, etc. to catch in addition to adequate feeding.
I just hope the carnage stops at two!

- D