Cleaner Shrimp... Molted or Eaten?

I found the head and antenna of my cleaner shrimp in the sand this morning and I can't find the rest of it anywhere. I thought maybe it was just a molt but I've looked everywhere in my tank and can't find any cleaner shrimp.

Does this sound like the shrimp molted and is hiding or does it sound like he was half eaten? I do have a Falco Hawkfish which is the only suspect at this point.

I should note that the remains had vibrant red in them and it wasn't that typical transparent color that molts usually are. Also, the eyes were missing, but other then that the antenna and head seems to be perfectly intact.

One more note. The hawkfish doesn't seem to have an abnormally large stomach. The shrimp was out and about this morning before I left for errands and I found it this way when I got back. Do molts happen that quick?

Thanks again,
Doratus

 

sorry to say your hawkfish had a yummy meal.


let me state this for anyone else reading the thread, Hawkfish and defenseless shrimp don't mix.

 

Alright, thanks.

I was warned that this would happen but I didn't listen. For the last couple of weeks the cleaner shrimp has been cleaning the hawkfish and they seemed to get along just fine. Darn.

So let me ask you this. Would you rather have the hawkfish or would you rather have shrimp?

 

IMO i'd have a shrimp, but thats just me. its all up to you; hawkfish is nice but small inverts will be lunch.

 

well I actually have a hawkfish.

and there is a possibility the shrimp is still alive, I don't think its a good one but its still there.

 

also I have to say its not just a choice between a hawkfish or shrimp. basslets and cardinals can also be imcompatible with shrimp, although the hawkfish is worse.

the fish in my avatar picture ate 2 peppermints.

 

I just found what I believe to be the little half clover type deal that cleaner shrimp have at the end of their tail.

I think it's safe to say that I don't need to feed the Hawkfish today. I know this is a family forum but is cursing allowed? Just kidding of course...

 

I did not know that. And I was just thinking about adding a PJ Cardinal to my tank, but I already have peppermints and cleaners.

 

most inverts hide after they molt so he may be alive .. is it a skunk cleaner shrimp because i have them in both tanks and their molt keeps alot of color in it. but i feel your hawk fish may have had a nice fresh breakfast. but you can hope!