Help for a hi fin goby

pacificangel02

New Member
Hi,
I'm a new aquarist who is looking for some help. I have a 10 gal. saltwater reef tank and I am in dire need of some information for anyone who can provide it. Yesterday, I introduced a hi fin red banded goby, a skunk cleaner shrimp, and 5 small hermit crabs into my tank. This morning, I looked in to find the goby alive but half eaten (link to pic included). I have NO idea what could have done this. A little background on my tank:
Established for about 6 months
10 gallon tropical saltwater tank
Just did the chemistry and everything looked fine
Inhabitants include 3 types of coral, 2 banded trochus snails, a few small (less than 1 inch) bristle worms that came in on the live rocks, 7 small hermit crabs, the goby, the shrimp, and that is it!
Any information as to what could have eaten half of the goby (while it was still alive nonetheless), recommendations as far as taking the fish back while it is still alive, if there is any chance at survival, etc., and what I can do differently in the future would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
 

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bang guy

Moderator
Do you hear any loud clicking in your tank at night?

It looks to me like something ate the tail off.
 

pacificangel02

New Member
Do you hear any loud clicking in your tank at night?

It looks to me like something ate the tail off.
The tank is at my work so I don't know if there is any clicking or not. Unfortunately, the goby died by this evening and when I scooped it out, noticed even more of the tail was eaten off. I also called the pet store and they thought a crab may have hitched onto the live rock and come out at night to feast.
 

bang guy

Moderator
The Hi-Fin does need some special care. They are rather helpless without a burrow. What's even worse is that they cannot dig. So, you either need to furnish them with a fabricated cave or a Pistol Shrimp.
 
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