Our first large online livestock order from http://www.sealifeflorida.com/catalog/index.php
We are extremely impressed with Ken Nedimyer...his service, livestock, and collection practices are unparalled.

Jan 9th, 2007: We added a large order of livestock...3 fish, 6 Ricordea, 1 Zoanthid, 2 Gorgonias, 2 Mithrax crabs, 1 Harlequin Serpent Star, 2 Red Flame Scallops, 7 Astrea Snails, 9 Blue Leg Hermits (to a 5.5 AGA emergency tank},and 1 Feather Duster. The acclimation procedure was well planned and presented no problems.

Our Pigmy Angel was very shy and skittish, so we kept a watchful eye on her, and every day she explored a little more. The Royal Gramma disappeared for three days. "Charlie", our Yellowhead Jawfish immediately started digging a burrow, and since then has moved at least six times. He is the joy of our life, more on him in a bit. Everything else is thriving and the crabs and snails have been hard at work 24/7 cleaning up our rock (and snails).

We did a water change Jan 13th, then spent all day enjoying the critters exploring the tank. About 7 PM, there was a blast of silt from the underground cave area (the rock on the right side, largest access is at the back of the tank). We couldn't immediately find the Angel, but then we saw her through a peephole in the front area of the cave. After dismantling all of the upper rock work, we managed to retrieve her...barely alive and tail-less. Unfortunately, she did not survive. The Red Mithrax was in the cave cleaning the rock, since we assumed he was the culprit he has been banished to the 5.5 AGA for the time being.

The painful process of reviewing these pictures has made me realize that he did not intentionally go after the Angel. The Gramma hid in the cave with him for three days and the first resident, "Henry" our Peppermint Shrimp, is usually in there. We have never seen any signs of aggression from either Mithrax crab, so he may get a reprieve shortly.

Please click on a thumbnail for a larger view, most recent photos first