Any idea what caused this death?

[Andrew Schubert]

So I picked up a Christmas Wrasse at the LFS the other day and put him in QT all by himself. He ended up passing away on Sunday night. I didn't get around to getting him out until today (Tuesday). There was nothing in the tank besides him. Yet, when I pulled him out I heard this load 'sizzling' noise and noticed he was half decapitated. My guess is some kind of virus was in his gills and it was eating away at him. Literally, half his neck was gone. Just curious what this sounds like as it would be interesting to know what it was that possibly caused his death.

 

[redfishbluefish]

#Reefsquad , have you seen this before?

 

[Flippers4pups]

So I picked up a Christmas Wrasse at the LFS the other day and put him in QT all by himself. He ended up passing away on Sunday night. I didn't get around to getting him out until today (Tuesday). There was nothing in the tank besides him. Yet, when I pulled him out I heard this load 'sizzling' noise and noticed he was half decapitated. My guess is some kind of virus was in his gills and it was eating away at him. Literally, half his neck was gone. Just curious what this sounds like as it would be interesting to know what it was that possibly caused his death.

Power head in QT?

 

[HotRocks]

I haven't seen this. But I have never left a deceased fish in a tank for that long either.

 

[4FordFamily]

I assume no clean up crew in the QT?

 

[4FordFamily]

I haven't seen this. But I have never left a deceased fish in a tank for that long either.

Bacteria makes quick work of fish and decomposing produces gases that will be released.

 

[Big G]

Warm water, decomposition gases escaping, me thinks. Fish decompose rather quickly.

 

[Andrew Schubert]

Yea I guess so. LOL. It kind of freeked me out as I pulled him out. The 'hiss' sound was sound loud I almost jumped back. Maybe the fish's ghost was haunting me .

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

There is plenty of bacteria in our tanks.
A dead fish 3-4" will be completely consumed within 2 to 3 days after death if left alone in the tank.
Regarding what caused it, not sure without pics and knowing some history etc.