Alpheus randalli reef safe?

[jon99]

I noticed this today that one of my 2 ocellaris clowns that I just bough 3 days ago is gone. The two clowns were tiny (about 3/4 of an inch). Is it likely that my pistol shrimp (Alpheus randalli which is about 1/2 an inch long) got it? The only other critters in the tank are a purple tang, serpent star, and yasha goby (Stonogobiops yasha). Both were very healthy, active, feeding, free of parasites, etc.

 

[Randall_James]

doubt it had anything to do with the clown, may have dined on the body however

 

[ahullsb]

If it was only 3/4 of an inch are you sure your powerheads or overflow didn't get it?

 

[jon99]

pretty sure. powerheads have prefilters and I have no overflows.

 

[ahullsb]

hmmm rockslide maybe? I had a 1/2 inch pistol shrimp that I think died because it couldn't defend itself from my wrasse. But the jury is still out. Might still be there. I'd be surprised if it would have killed the clown though. It doesn't seem like they would cross paths often enough

 

[jon99]

ok thanks. you're giving me some hope. I will see how the second clown does and if its still around a week or two from now I will buy him another buddy. Will this be too much time? Will it become territorial and likely attack another clown i put in the tank?

 

[ahullsb]

Get a larger one than the one you already have. It will keep the small one submissive, and male.