What could demolish a clam overnight?

[SFeST]

I brought home an ORA derasa clam about a week ago, and it's looked perfectly fine and healthy. Except I wake up this morning, only to find two empty half shells lying on my sand and not a single trace of the clam. I don't see how a fish could have done this, it would just close up if it was being attacked. What the heck happened? I specifically remember looking at the clam before I went to sleep, and 8 hours later it was toast.

The fish I do have: Sailfin tang, foxface, flasher wrass, tomato clown. All of them have been model citizens. Params are perfect, I've been keeping sps for months with no problems.

Any ideas?

 

[ReefingMadness]

Mantis shrimp maybe. It is just a thought. Heard any clicking lately? Any new additions lately as far as live rock ?

 

[SFeST]

No new rock anytime recently, its been at least 2 months since I've added small pieces with frags on it, and its been nothing big since I started the tank. I've wanted a clam for a while and I don't think I am going to risk it at this point until I can find out exactly what did this. I'm gonna poke around at night with a flashlight when I can to see what undesirables may be lurking around.

 

[dean11111]

I feel your pain. I had a clam die like yours 2 days ago, mine was a maxima. It was 1-1/2'' . I also dont want to risk any more clams till I know what is going on.

 

[skinz78]

dean, what are you params? what fish and inverts do you have? What lighting do you use?

 

[Robgixxer]

wow! that really is a bummer. sorry to hear. i would like to know what it might be also. that way i can make sure it doesn't happen to me. i am a new clammer myself.

 

[kcbonsai_matt]

I woke up this morning to find my emerald crab and peppermint shrimp feasting on the remains of my clam. Last night before bed it was "happy as a clam". I feel your pain.

 

[sqwaksqwak]

could be fire worms they eat the clam from the bottom up

 

[Slakker]

My guess is, on most of these cases, the clams were already in poor health and were finished off by your clean up crews overnight.

Crabs and snails can make quick work of a weak clam.