Lights out/dead fish

[rfgonzo]

Went lights out for 3 day only to come back to 1 dead Foxface that iv'e had for 4 or 5 year and a Flame angle who's fins are all torn up. I'm assuming they got in to it. Foxface was way bigger though, around 6 inches. I wouldn't think he would be the loser. Never had that happen before after going lights out. Is this common? The two fish never bothered each other before and have been together for years.

 

[mcgyvr]

What else is in the tank?.. And how dark did you make the tank..
The fish could have gone to sleep and something attacked it....bobbit worms/starfish,etc...

 

[rfgonzo]

Tangs, clownfish and green Brittle starfish. Tank was dark covered in cardboard.

 

[polywise]

when turning off the lights, could you have also turned off the heater or pump by accident?

 

[tonysi]

My bet is on the green brittle got a hold on your fish.

 

[rfgonzo]

when turning off the lights, could you have also turned off the heater or pump by accident?

No, It all runs on Apex

 

[rfgonzo]

My bet is on the green brittle got a hold on your fish.

I would agree with you normally, but iv'e had this star for well over 10 years with no issues. Plus he's pretty well feed. not sayin that couldn't be the cause, just doubtful IMO.

 

[mcgyvr]

Id bet on the green brittle too..They are know to do that when given the chance...lights out can certainly be that opportunity

 

[Anemone]

My bet is on the green brittle got a hold on your fish.

Yep, known to prey on sleeping fish.

Kevin

 

[nereefpat]

It is my understanding that, when doing a blackout, it doesn't mean covering the tank to make it completely dark.

 

[lifeoffaith]

Yeah, it's the brittle. Nothing else makes sense unless there is a predator you aren't aware of in the tank such as a crab or worm.

 

[Attreui]

Another option is that the fish hurt themselves. I have a Rabbit fish also and she will go bananas if something happens out of the norm for any long period of time. Ive seen her slam herself into the glass run into rocks and scrape herself up etc when the power has been out for a few hours. Rabbit fish sleep out in the open most of the time, so if there was a predator most likely it would have found her before now at night. Just another possibility, you will probably not know for sure.

 

[polywise]

did you completely cover the top of the tank too? maybe lack of oxygen
Do you run a protein skimmer?

 

[WVfishguy]

You would have seen the green star on a fish if it had attacked it. Fish will go nuts when lights malfunction. I believe the green stars' predatory habits have been exaggerated.

 

[rfgonzo]

did you completely cover the top of the tank too? maybe lack of oxygen
Do you run a protein skimmer?

Sump is in basement open to air and skimmer was running. No concern of lack of oxygen. Return pump inlets were also pointed at the surface.

 

[rfgonzo]

You would have seen the green star on a fish if it had attacked it. Fish will go nuts when lights malfunction. I believe the green stars' predatory habits have been exaggerated.

I concur.