So, the first to disappear was one of my green chromis', that was just before X-mas. The next was my other greeen chromis'. Then I started to see my smaller red legged hermits scattered in pieces throughout the tank. Then, two days ago I came home and my cleaner shrimp (that I've had for almost 2 years) was dead. Now, maybe the shrimp and crabs can be logically explained, but the fish are a mystery. I was kind of thinking that the larger hermits ate the small ones and maybe the shrimp died of natural causes, I don't really know. I never saw the fish's bodies or any sign of them once they went missing. I've kept a close watch in the tank for anything unusual. While I was feeding the other night, I discovered a new little creature. It was a very small crab hiding in a piece of rock. I thought for sure this was the culprit, so I took the rock out and kept it in a bowl for a little while so I could observe. I have searched all over the web for a picture of this crab, but can't seem to find anything. I'm skeptical about whether or not he's the killer anyway because of his size. The crab is very small, much smaller then the fish. Well, he's about the same size, maybe a little smaller then the chromis'. Anyway, the crab is dark brown w/hair all over, he has some dark brown (possibly black) stipes on his legs. I know that no one will be able to ID it or probably help me, but I just wanted to tell my frustrating story.
Something's eating my inhabitants!
- Thread starter mnewsome
- Start date
terryhendrixson
New member
Sounds like you have a mantis when you said you have crabs scattered around they will bust there shells to get a meal.
rustybucket145
New member
Do you ever hear a clicking sound coming from your aquarium at night? Might want to get up around 2-3am one night and just listen. If you hear it you have a mantis.
That's another strange thing, I haven't seen any of their shells cracked or anything. I've had a mantis shrimp in the past and quite enjoyed the little guy. I actually fed him with a straw, it was pretty cool. But, I knew he had to go before he killed something. Anyway, I know it's very possible that he's in there. Do you have any suggestions how to lure him out?
terryhendrixson
New member
Silversides is what i fed mine when i had it.Pretty smart little animals they will hide when you walk up.If you can find which rock he is in dip it in cool r/o water and he will come right out of his burrow.
prezioso73
New member
I heard clicking for years and never saw it!
Is it possible that the hermit crabs you're finding scattered around the tank are what's left after the crabs molt? We kept getting upset to find these hermit "carcasses" all over the tank, it was most commonly the small ones. Then it dawned on us that these critters molt! That explained a lot!
Chromis aren't jumpers are they? I know of people who've lost fish, and then found them later behind their tank - yuck!
Good luck!
Alta
Chromis aren't jumpers are they? I know of people who've lost fish, and then found them later behind their tank - yuck!
Good luck!
Alta
Generally, crabs and reef aquariums don't mix. Any crab over the size of a dime, with hairy legs, red eyes, and or serrated claws are bad news. Actually, the claws are the telling sign more than anything else. Serrated claws are designed to rip and tear flesh. smooth claws are built for pulling at algae. If the claws are not smooth, it's not a crab that you want in your tank.
Keep in mind that just because you found a small Gorilla crab, doesn't mean that you don't have a large Gorilla crab hiding out somewhere too. I removed a fairly good sized Gorilla crab from my tank about three years ago. Recently, my Tuxedo Urchin turned up wearing the molt of a crab claw for camoflage. This tells me that there is still a good size predator in my tank, but who knows where.
Keep in mind that just because you found a small Gorilla crab, doesn't mean that you don't have a large Gorilla crab hiding out somewhere too. I removed a fairly good sized Gorilla crab from my tank about three years ago. Recently, my Tuxedo Urchin turned up wearing the molt of a crab claw for camoflage. This tells me that there is still a good size predator in my tank, but who knows where.
mnewsome:
If you're not sure whether your hermits are molting or not, if you get a rough count of the number you have, then when you see the pieces do another rough count, you should be able to see if your community is dwindling. I'll find legs after molting. Someone's job in there is to clean up. Knowing what's being hunted and what isn't may help narrow down your suspects.
Good luck!
alta
If you're not sure whether your hermits are molting or not, if you get a rough count of the number you have, then when you see the pieces do another rough count, you should be able to see if your community is dwindling. I'll find legs after molting. Someone's job in there is to clean up. Knowing what's being hunted and what isn't may help narrow down your suspects.
Good luck!
alta
