Hippo Tang Hungry???

[ryshark]

What are the chances of a Hippo Tang eating a Peppermint Shrimp that is abou t 1.5 - 2" in size? I cannot find my shrimp anywhere. The tang is about 3 - 4 inches. I also have 3-scarlet hermits 2-small clowns 1-small damsel and 2-cleaner shrimp in a 75gallon tank. Thank you

 

[ezy33]

During the molt they will hide also they will have a soft shell making them open to attack.

 

[ccCapt]

Chances of a hippo eating a live healthy pep shrimp...zero to none. Tangs are herbivores, generally speaking, which means they basically eat plants (algea). They will also eat what's fed to the tank, but I never heard of a tang actively hunting a living meal.

 

[roka64]

I agree, have you seen a molt? They definitely hide to give their new exoskeletons time to harden, not to mention, peps are kind of shy anyways.

 

[ryshark]

I saw a molt about a month ago or so. Until now I would see the pep. shrimp everyday especially during feeding time. Maybe he is just hiding somewhere. Either way, if there has to be a missing shrimp I'd rather it be the pep. shrimp instead of one of my cleaners. I must say though, the peppermint shrimp did a great job getting rid of the few small aiptasia I had.

 

[melosu58]

My guess is that he is hiding. I have 3 in my tank and I rarely see them.