Ideas to catch a predator

[R_Hudson]

I've got something wicked going on in my tank. All of a sudden I've lost 3 fish. A pair of bangaii cardinals, and a secretive wrasse. These have been the only fish in the tank for awhile now. First the wrasse went missing I didn't figure it to be a big deal because he would bury himself in the sand from time to time. But then the first of the cardinals went missing which was odd. I did a check of the tank and no corpse or remains were to be found anywhere. Yes I checked the carpet, stand, and sump. 2 nights ago the other cardinal went missing. So I ask myself what's up? The only things I can confirm still alive are a med/large cleaner shrimp and short spine urchin both have been in the tank over a year. I've tried the middle of the night with red flashlight trick. I can't find anything. I need some suggestions on how to catch/see whatever is killing my fish.

I havent added anything recently that has not been properly dipped. I don't know where it came from unless it's been there from the beginning and just now big enough to eat fish

 

[lionfish_shane]

You could prop a tall glass vertical against your rocks with a piece of shrimp in it. Read that was a good way to catch any crabs. Hope you catch or figure out whats goin on.

 

[Rockys_Pride]

Do you hear clicking from the tank? Mantis alert

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[R_Hudson]

No clicking of any kind. Mantis was my first thought, but I figured i would have seen some signs of it.

 

[R_Hudson]

I didn't think about a stabber. I may rig up a couple different traps tonight to see what I can catch.

 

[jjmcat]

Let me put my African flame back in your tank.

 

[mike fail]

Have you looked at the bottom of you tank with with a flash light and tank lights off ?

A lot of times you can see trails and or the critter this way.

Hope ya figure it out, if not send me pics after you do this :headwalls:

 

[R_Hudson]

Let me put my African flame back in your tank.

Bring him on, I ain't askeered!!!

I have looked from under the stand. I don't see anything out of the ordinary just glass and sand. Due to the rockwork I can't see the back of the rocks. I have even tried using a mirror with no success.

If it's not a predator I don't know what else would cause fish to magically disappear, and my urchin and cleaner shrimp unscathed.

 

[R_Hudson]

Well I did catch a pistol shrimp tonight with a little luck. I'm not 100% positive that he is responsible, but I know I did not add him to the tank. I've also never seen one quite like this before. It is a bad cellphone pic, but he's about 1.5"-2" long and dark brown with almost a diamond pattern down his sides. What do you all think?

 

[jayelblock]

Looks like one of the earwigs from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Seriously, I had to get rid of my pistol shrimp because they killed two fish. They will creep out at night and grab them while they're sleeping, so your wrasse was a prime target for that.

OTOH, it's always interesting to find hitchhikers, and I'm surprised that this one stayed hidden so long. He probably doesn't form a symbiotic relationship with shrimp gobies, but someone may want him. If you decide not to keep him, give him to me and i'll toss him in my 'fuge. I'm crazy about shrimp of all kinds.

 

[jjmcat]

He might get the initial kill and feast but the clean up crew will take care of the rest I am sure.I still wish I had the video of the pistol shrimp killing the cleaner shrimp.

 

[R_Hudson]

I'm positive that's a pistol shrimp. The big left claw is present, that's just a bad pic. I am not 100% this is the killer, only time will tell that one.

 

[mike fail]

Well Rich you found your killer


Here ya go JJ Mantis VS Pistol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kNfjFpZyAk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5JP4qXglsk&NR=1

 

[R_Hudson]

Nice videos mike. I hope it's him. I'm tired of spending money just to have it disappear.

 

[mike fail]

I hope it's him. I'm tired of spending money just to have it disappear.

Hmmm well then may I suggest a CD or IRA acct,

LOL aquariums are more like Enron stock.

I would bet your next fish that it was your killer. If it wasnt put a green chromis on my acct at Oddballs LOL :bounce3:

 

[R_Hudson]

That's funny stuff right there.