Mystery predator

rockster2599 · 02-03-2005, 06:13 AM

O.K. this one has got me,
What is smashing barnacles in my tank?
All my rock is about 4 years old, no sign of mantis shrimps or other large hitchhikers. I have a flame angel, goby, tomato clown and orchid dottyback, Coral banded shrimp and various hermits but I dont think its any of them because several large sturdy barnacles were smashed in from the side. Whatever it is it must have been in my tank undetected for a while. Not that I mind too much, the barnacles were hitchhikers themselves but Im just curious.
Rockster

Geoff · 02-03-2005, 09:30 AM

my guess would be a crab of somekind. may need to do the flashlight trick at night and see if you see any extra eyeballs.

G~

rockster2599 · 02-03-2005, 09:38 AM

Yeah thats a possibility, although I think the phantom barnacle smasher struck during the day when I was at work. Must be powerful as the barnacles are pretty hefty (1/2-1" across).
Rockster