I was doing my normal gravel washes/water changes and noticed my aro's sponge filters could use some cleaning. I opened the top to remove the filters, cleaned them, and replaced them in the tank before going on to the next tanks. I forgot to close the top.
Some time after moving to the next aisle, he jumped. I didn't see or hear it and went on with my work.
After lunch, I went back to the hatchery to feed out some fry tanks. That's when I noticed he was no longer in his tank. I found him under a rack of 20s and 55s. His face was all busted up from the impact with the concrete floor.
He was barely 2" when I got him and I lost him at just under 14".
I can't believe I left the top open! I just hope this catastrophe helps remind someone else to mind their fish's security.
