Broken snail shell?

[smartang22]

I have two cleaner shrimp, a clown, and about 7 hermits and am down to two snails. The snails have been disappearing for the last three weeks. I found one empty shell and I think the other snails have gone over the side into the back chambers. But, today I found a piece of a shell. Not a whole shell in pieces, but just one small piece.

I have hermits that were fighting until I got them larger shells. I have not seen any piles of shells or shells laying around from the hermit change which is kind of weird. But this piece has me worried that I could have a mantis or something. I have never heard a snapping and don't see any evidence of a mantis, but what about this piece of shell? Could a hermit have done this? I recently rescaped my rock if that helps. I just don't want to put my shrimp or clown in danger.

What do you all think? Should I be worried? Thanks!!!

 

[justinl]

nope. your tank has gone this long without any damage. I highly doubt a mystery mantis is gonna pop up and go all redemption and rampage on your tank now. My guess is that during the aquascaping you crushed a shell and it chipped off a piece.

 

[smartang22]

You are right. I think I am paranoid.