Could Larger Hermits Eat a 6 Line Wrasse

[Rechelle Fleck]

I had an awesome 6 line wrasse that who was managing my bristle worm population. She slept in my LR and was absolutely healthy and active yesterday. I went to feed this morning and didn't see her as she generally comes out when the lights come on, so I didn't think anything of it. I went to look again and saw a crowd of my larger hermits eating something in the cave. At first I thought it was bits of food in the sand (I feed frozen food which they love), but it WAS MY WRASSE they were finishing off. Would larger hermits have snagged her when she was sleeping?! I am getting rid of these homicidal maniacs this weekend!

 

[blackizzz]

I'd say it's possible, but improbable.

A more likely scenario is that the 6 line died of other causes and the hermits just ate the leftovers. Hermits are scavengers, opportunistic feeders.

 

[Rechelle Fleck]

I'd say it's possible, but improbable.

A more likely scenario is that the 6 line died of other causes and the hermits just ate the leftovers. Hermits are scavengers, opportunistic feeders.

Parameters were good and she was perfectly healthy the night before. My LFS said that there is a possibility the large blue legged hermits could have eaten her.

 

[Scotty Buttons]

I agree that it's improbable, a healthy wrasse would be too quick for them to catch.

 

[VoZe]

Do you have any other fish in the tank

 

[ca1ore]

Typical LFS misinformation. The hermits we employ in our reef tanks are scavenging omnivores. They'll eat pretty much whatever is presented to them but they will not catch a healthy fish. Hermits, bristle stars and bristleworms are attracted to, and will consume a carcass, but they won't 'create' it.