New Panther ATE my Cleaner Shrimp! WHAT???

My very first tank inhabitant that survived everything until now despite all the sad deaths was my Cleaner Shrimp...only to be eaten by a new Panther Grouper. >: (

I knew of the small risk, but I never thought a newcomer would eat a native within a few hours?!?

Sorry, I had to let it out somewhere. ARRRRRRR!!! (Pirate Roar)

Here is a pic of the criminal:

 

groupers eat what fits in their mouths basically you can no longer keep small fish or shell-less inverts.

 

I love Panther Groupers, one of my fav saltwater fish, along with the Harlequin Tusk. Sadly can't keep either in my small little 55g. Sorry it ate your shrimp, look on the bright side though, you have a Panther Grouper, LUCKY!

 

Small risk? It was only a matter of time. Panther groupers natural diet consists of shrimp, small fish, and anything else that will fit in their mouths. I'm surprised the lionfish hadn't already eaten it though.

 

kinda off-topic but I think you should name him

MacGrouper

 

well, I knew that groupers and lions love shrimps, but cleaner shrimps are usually an exception IME, they leave them alone so they can have the benefit of being cleaned. It's a symbiotic relationship. And, I usually feed my fishes enough food for them to leave my shrimp alone. But, yeah, now, the only thing that remains from the beginning is a bumble bee snail living somewhere in my rocks. : /

 

+1

In the fish world, if it fits on the mouth its food. Of course, there are some exceptions.

 

also, as far as the grouper was concerned, the shrimp was just as new as he was. haha sorry man

 

I have one of these also and it was about 5 in when I got it and it eats all I can throw at it. its not 7-8 in and has only been months since I got it.

 

Hm, that is a good point, I really should name it... I haven't thought of a good name yet... maybe Polka Dot Killer? or Shrimp Slayer? Or, maybe just Bob.