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Thread: Who is the killer?

  1. #1
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    Who is the killer?

    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!

  2. #2
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    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.

  3. #3
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    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.
    David Hill
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  4. #4
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    CoralolisEffect's Avatar
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    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.
    ><((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((º>¸.·´¯`·.¸. ><((((º> ><(((((º>
    I keep water, last checked about 600 gallons worth.
    Problem is animals keep using it as there water closet.
    Worst of all the littlest ones keep using up all the supplies.

  5. #5
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    Col muster in the library with the candle stick IMO GL have you been feeding less?
    Four individual systems Right now.
    30gal red sea 130d lps/softies/anemone tank, kalk ato, reef bright led strip.
    40 softies set up.
    550 total gallon marineland 300 DD main system 18 months old now and stabilized. T5 VHO lights/ BLUE led strip, Fully custom built LIFE REEF sump and FUGE, AWESOME 60" tall skimmer, and 1000+ gallon rated custom Ca reactor, 3 50 gallon attached SPS frag systems lite with a combination of HM and LED and T5 fixtures.
    A 200 gallon MARS quarintine with UV system/ medication for new arrivals.

    Still lots to learn about the hobby but I have amassed a great collection of real beauties. I have broken past the stage of keeping things alive and now there actually growing out. Which is a big hurdle for many beginners I must admit. Good information and advise is hard to get sometimes and the club has done wonders with respect to quality advise and help in the hobby.

    THANKS Orlando Reef Educators Organization!!!!

  6. #6
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    ccampo's Avatar
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    CSI tank.... I'd go with the clown.
    Good Luck,
    Cesar Campo
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  7. #7
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    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.

  8. #8
    ORCA Forum Member Chip's Avatar
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    I also think the clown fish. Especially a Tomato clown.

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