Killer peppermint shrimp?

[mrcoffee2]

So I think my peppermint shrimp just killed my pom pom crab. Are peppermint shrimps usually aggressive? The pom pom crab was alive 30 minutes ago now the shrimp is carrying around its carcass like its a trophy. That little Booger cost me $14.99!

Also I assume its ok to leave its body in there? I tried to get it from him be he's really good at keeping it from me lol

 

[JMSKI333]

Hoe long was the pom pom crab in the tank for?

 

[mrcoffee2]

I have had the pom pom for about a month and a half. I disturbed his home today on accident which made him move his place to the other side of the tank. He was fine for 3 hrs then I find him mutilated...

 

[JMSKI333]

I highly doubt the pepperment shrimp took him out. That isn't their style.

 

[mrcoffee2]

I heard my tiger pistol snap a few times. Think he might have tried to go near his den and got all chopped up? Would explain how the shrimp had his hard shell cracked in half

 

[JMSKI333]

That would make more sense. The peppermint is just the clean up crew.

 

[socal619]

the pistol could of done it and the peppermint just got a free meal out of it

 

[NanaReefer]

Pistol shrimp stun their prey/predators with sonic sound so to speak. Saying the pompom shell was cut in half, could be that it molted? Some will do this as a means of escape from danger. Just an idea Especially since you can't get ahold of the pompom to check it for sure.....

 

[ritter6788]

Are you sure it wasn't just a molt?

 

[mrcoffee2]

There was meat in the shell, does that normally happen?

 

[Intricateart]

We've had a pair of pistol shrimp for over 2 years.They are highly protective of their burrows.However I've only seen them use their "snap" defensively.They have been very gentle even with micro hermits,simply shoving them back out into the open sand.Also some of our shrimp/crab molts were still a little meaty inside,we would worry,only to see the crab later that day new and shiny.

 

[eliramos]

pistol shrimp hit does have the power to crack a shell but more than likely maybe the crab went to molt a little too close to the pistol...

peppermints not aggressive towards other inverts at least not in my experience, they're like vultures.

whats your stock list look like.

 

[mrcoffee2]

4 Hermits
2 ast snails
2 nass
1 YWG
1 Tiger pistol
1 peppermin
1 stomtella snail

 

[vetteguy53081]

Innocent but Hard to trust shrimp