Case of the disappearing Chromies...

Some background:
I have a 29 gal tank with about 25-30lbs of live rock; sump and fuge and the water parameters have now been stable for about six months. In the tank are colonies of GSP and xenia, and a few shrooms. In terms of live stock I have one large skunk cleaner, two peppermint shrimp, one false percula clown, a fire fish, and a lawnmower blenney.

About four months ago we have got a blue-green chromis who seemed to acclimate fine and then add a second a few weeks later they seemed fine for about a month before one died. (not sure of the cause and didn't notice it till i saw the shrimp snacking on it) Since that first event I've tried to get a second chromie and have been unable to keep two alive at the same time, one dying every weeks or so. Finally yesterday I saw the last chromie being snacked on by the skunk. So my question is this... is the cleaner shrimp killing the chromie? And if so why, cause the clown is smaller and presumably a easier target. What is happening!? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

I do know that chromises die easily and it could be one of the other fish picking on it untill it dies.

 

Dean,
Sorry for your losses but I think we might be able to offer some help.

For me, having the fish which are currently alive in your tank is the limit of what the tank can handle.

When you are adding the last fish it is likely too stressed by the presence of the other fish, especially the clown which tends to become aggressive - especially toward new additions which may be encroaching on its territory.

I would not continue attempting to add more fish as IMO you are already at the stocking limit for your setup.

I find it hard to believe the skunk cleaner killed the fish. I find it easy to believe the skunk cleaner found the dead/dying fish to be tasty.

 

M-Ocean,
I suspect you may be right. The only reason I didn't believe it was over stocking was the normal behavior I observed while they were alive and didn't notice the clown being aggressive either. Thanks for the quick reply

 

It's tough to hold back when seeing really beautiful fish in the LFS. But it's that very beauty you can use as your motivation to respect and strive for a healthy tank by not rushing or exceeding your system's limitations.

 

Chromis are known to kill each other off. They also like to be in odd numbers... I started with 7, and am down to 3 after 8 months. 2 died due to fighting. 1 died of natural causes...never did well, and only lasted 3 days. And one fell victim to my tube anemone. I do agree with the posts above, and stop adding fish.