mysterious death and replacement fish

[huhhh]

I just had a cherub angel die mysteriously. He was acting normally, looked great, eating normally (which is to say a lot). Less than 24 hrs later he was dead. Had been in the tank (46 bow, val puffer, ocell clown, yellow wrasse, hammer, 2 zoa frags, 1 mushroom, trumpet, and recently added frog spawn) for 8 or 9 months doing well.

Tests prior to death were normal except for higher salt. It got to .28 I brought it down, slowly, to just under .26 in about two days but I'm wondering if that may have done it. None of the other fish have shown any ill symptoms at all. The angel didn't either...until he died.

So 1. could salt level have killed him? and 2. I need a suggestion for a replacement fish, mostly reef safe for a 46 with the above tankmates.

Thanks

 

[huhhh]

Oh and there's a handful of red leg hermits in there as well.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

First welcome to R2R, and sorry about the loss. As far as salinity goes I cannot see it as the lone cause. Maybe a short term stressor, but most likely something going on. I may have misse, you had him for months, anything new go in recently. Tests you said we good, u check ammonia, ph, alk.
And wondering if any signs on fish itself. Spots, red soars. And other fish ok. Velvet can takeout a tank quick but would seesigns of that usually.

Let’s see what can be done.

#WelcometoR2R

Edit, sorry what type of angel

 

[huhhh]

No, no spots or any marks on the fish. Color looked good. The only recent addition was a frogspawn frag.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Without any signs of illness or water issues like ammonia found no way could be 100% sure.

But lots of good people here that may have more to add so let’s we what other think

And again, welcome.

 

[huhhh]

Btw pigmey cherub angel