Mbuna Cannibals?

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JoeBel

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 16, 2008
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USA
www.joebeleznay.com
So I had 4 Demasoni in my 55g (yes I know I should have 12+ to spread aggression). I've had them all for about 4-5 months, they harass each other but haven't caused any real damage to one another.

About 2 days ago I noticed the largest Dem sitting on the sand bed, breathing heavy, it continued this behavior for the next few days and then stopped eating also. Showed no signs of fin damage, bloat or bite marks, the other Dems weren't harassing it either.

Last night I came home and it had dissapeared completely. I have rockwork in my tank but am able to see all the nooks and crannies and it's completely gone. It's also too large to get sucked into my AC intakes & it couldn't have jumped out either, I have glass tops.

Is it possible that my other fish (14 other assorted Mbuna) ate it over the period of 5-6hours & left no trace? If it really is stuck where I cannot see it, very doubtful, would it screw my water up much?

Thanks,
 
I'm def leaning towards them cannabalizing it, because I honestly looked everywhere for it and it's nowhere to be found. My stack is large but you can see all the holes/caves/crevices clearly.

We'll see, I still wonder what happened, maybe it's swim bladder went.
 
NotoriousSway;2949483; said:
Even if they ate him there would be bones and most visibly a skull. I would really check good all around, behind, underneath the tank, theres a good chance he jumped even with glass tops. If not he is prolly buried under a rock.
Click to expand...

I'll try, my stack is complex so it's kinda a pita to get under some rocks, I hate it because I love how it looks and don't want to disturb it at all. I'd hate to cause an avalanche if I don't have too.

Thanks though,
 
I have had this happen in the past and thought it was gone as well. I later found it was half buried and I found it as I was luckily doing a water change. Since then if I can't find a fish I get a net and start sifting the substrate and I usually find it. Those fish are pretty good at hiding the carcuss.
 
Hi...!!

2 things came to mind when I read this post...

First, I am really glad that I have removed all but a few handfuls of gravel from my tanks... When I am not sure about a fishes location I start by looking up from underneath the tank.... most of the time I find them... But, sometimes very scary...!!!!!!!!

Second, I set up a 110G for my mom 2 years ago. I get over a few times a week to check on the tank and "ATTEMPT" to remind her to not overfeed them... she is 73... HA! Anyway, she loves the fish and always reports on thier activity...

Last week she asked me to look at this fish, a 6" OB, (M...? F...? Who the hell knows...??? Oh yeah... you guys and gals do...!), who had not come out of this hole in the tufa/TXHR pile for a day or so... she was sure it had not moved...

So, I looked underneath... and could clearly see it and it seemed ok... breathing, moving, not banged up.... there are 2 other similar OBs in the tank and they are larger and always doing something... I thought maybe it was just seeking refuge....

I looked at it for a while then realized it must have worked it's way in from the bottom of the pile in a horizontial openning and it was to big to get out of the top and because the hole is tight and it could not twist it was unable to go back the way it came in!

I picked up a few rocks and it swam right out... (Mom was very happy!!!)

So... you probably have a new idea for your rock pile anyway...

Perfect...!

And while your at it... if there is gravel under your current pile you can remove it at the same time... I know that some nasty gases buildup in the gravel under a rockpile.. could be a good thing if it's been up a while...

Good Luck...!
 
I actually have sand in mine, I just feel like I've gotten the rocks nicely placed and it took me a good chunk of time to do it, but I know I'll have to eventually move them around anyway.

That'll be freaky if I look under the tank and see that Demi buried alive, yipes.

Thanks for the advice/stories/info everyone!
 
JoeBel;2948878; said:
So I had 4 Demasoni in my 55g (yes I know I should have 12+ to spread aggression). I've had them all for about 4-5 months, they harass each other but haven't caused any real damage to one another.

About 2 days ago I noticed the largest Dem sitting on the sand bed, breathing heavy, it continued this behavior for the next few days and then stopped eating also. Showed no signs of fin damage, bloat or bite marks, the other Dems weren't harassing it either.

Last night I came home and it had dissapeared completely. I have rockwork in my tank but am able to see all the nooks and crannies and it's completely gone. It's also too large to get sucked into my AC intakes & it couldn't have jumped out either, I have glass tops.

Is it possible that my other fish (14 other assorted Mbuna) ate it over the period of 5-6hours & left no trace? If it really is stuck where I cannot see it, very doubtful, would it screw my water up much?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

NotoriousSway;2949483; said:
Even if they ate him there would be bones and most visibly a skull. I would really check good all around, behind, underneath the tank, theres a good chance he jumped even with glass tops. If not he is prolly buried under a rock.
Click to expand...

Took the words out of my mouth. Yup, they wouldn't be able to eat everything ...and yes, they are opportunistic, as it is in their nature, to take advantage of a free meal :popcorn:
 
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