Clam Died Overnight

[topshotta]

I bought a crocea 6 days ago - it's been doing great. In fact - I was looking at it last night before the lights went off for the night. This morning I woke up and the clam was dead - completed receeded. It still had it's foot down, but mucus was oozing out of it. About 10 years ago I kept 4 different clams successfully for a few years before I tore down my tank. I have no idea what happened with this clam. The tank houses a pair of ocellaris clowns and a 6 line wrasse. Additionally I have an emerald crab in there and a very small (thumb nail size) crab that was introduced to tank via live rock. I have noticed a couple bristle worms in the tank, but I have not seen them for at least a month. I'm wondering if something got to the clam to happen so quickly? My water parameters are stellar so I know that isn't the problem. All my SPS corals are doing great so I don't think there is something odd going on with the tank as I'd think they'd show signs if that were the case.

 

[phishcrazee]

Hmmm, I'd say it was one of your other inhabitants. Not the bristle worms; I have tons and keep 4 clams no problem. Maybe the mystery crab? Emerald crabs are more vegetarians, but most crabs are opportunists too, so not sure if he can totally be ruled out. Did you notice the wrasse taking an interest in it, maybe even after it was all closed up?

 

[topshotta]

The first day or so the wrasse was kind of nipping at it, but that seemed to subside rather quickly. Not to mention - the wrasse goes to sleep as soon as the lights go out. I suppose the wrasse could've woken early and started on it, but I highly doubt it. Puzzled?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Stress- 6 days in a new home, new water params, new lighting, fish picking- it almosts certainly died due to stress.

 

[topshotta]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10020726#post10020726 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmaneyapanda
Stress- 6 days in a new home, new water params, new lighting, fish picking- it almosts certainly died due to stress.

If it was stress related I would think that it would've shown signs of it - not opening, gaping, receeding. Nothing like that though - it looked great since I put it in the tank. I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just not sure?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Unfortunately, that is what everyone thinks- that these animals will put up a big sign that says" I'm not feeling well". I know Im being overdramatic, but wild animals do not show signs of illness or weakness until it's too late. In fact, you say in your first posts, that it was totally receded. That is a symptom. At any rate, I could very well be wrong. But, You had a lot of stimulus loaded onto that clam from the get go- some of it negative, so that is why I believe what I believe.