Who is the killer?

[dave]

I recently had two Damsels killed in my tank and am trying to determine the culprit. The tank is an established 150 with ample live rock, dead coral and places to hide. The lighting is on around 13 hours a day, then off all night - which is when the crimes have taken place. Both Damsels had one eye plucked out and were pretty torn up by the time I found them in the morning. Both were killed over 2 days.

The Damsels had been in the tank 7 years and were pretty good sized - 4 inches each
Grouper, 7 inches, friendly has been in the tank 5 years
Tomato clown, 4 inches, has an attitude but keeps to himself, 5 years
Blue Tang, very active, 5 1/2 inches, 5 years
Lionfish, 8 inches (grew very fast), peaceful, 2 years
Lunar Wrasse, 6 1/2 inches, very active, 6 months

I also have two large turbo snails and a very small starfish. I don't suspect them because of their size and speed limitations.

I would appreciate any comments, hunches or suggestions on this matter.
Thanks much!

[eg8r210]

Ummm, I am going to go out on a limb and suggest you watch the predators. There is no doubt the grouper or the lion fish are on the hunt.

[Coach]

That is a tough call. I would think the clown, because of being in the same family. I was just talking with Justin at SeaWorld and they have damsels that attack each other and there are 12,000 gallons of water and lots of hiding places in that tank. So when they want to attack, they can. Another option is a hitchhiking crab that has now grown big enough to attack fish.

[CoralolisEffect]

If grouper or lion fish might not be any evidence left. Tang doubtful. Not familiar with lunar wrasses. The clown would be top on my list to take out a eye. As stated both in same family.

[Jim28fl]

Col muster in the library with the candle stick IMO GL have you been feeding less?

[ccampo]

CSI tank.... I'd go with the clown.

[dave]

Wow! I would have bet my paycheck that the consensus would have pointed to the wrasse. I say this because they are fast moving and he was the newest member of the tank. (this is also why I am not a fish detective....). The clown makes sense now that you mention it. He has always been very protective of his little area and I have seen him nip the fins of others.

Thanks everyone for your input and thoughts. The clown is now the smallest fish in the tank so I am hoping everyone else is safe.

[Chip]

I also think the clown fish. Especially a Tomato clown.