Threadfin Butterfly ate my Bangaii Cardinal :(

adidas

adidas

AC Members
Dec 16, 2004
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Canada
I took a look in my tank last night and my butterfly was chasing the Cardinal around eating at it's fins, he did it til the Cardinal was dead. :( Next thing I know, there is a crab and 4 fish devouring it!!

Why would my butterfly just up and eat him? :mad2 the other Cardinal is still safe and untouched!
 
adidas said:
I took a look in my tank last night and my butterfly was chasing the Cardinal around eating at it's fins, he did it til the Cardinal was dead. :( Next thing I know, there is a crab and 4 fish devouring it!!

Why would my butterfly just up and eat him? :mad2 the other Cardinal is still safe and untouched!
Click to expand...

Ummm... He ate the other one now, too. :(
 
I feel your pain. (love that graphic)
I have seen a surprising number of passive species turn into bullies; it happens. As for the threadfin, it's not known for aggressive behavior as a rule, but I have seen butterflies chasing others on the reef; they are territorial creatures and there is always a risk when constricting marines to a small glass box. Doubtful the cardinals were on the menu; the butterfly was more likely protecting its turf. Sounds like yours has an attitude; better keep a close eye on it. On the other hand, many crabs are fish eaters by nature; (my, what big claws you have!) keep them with extreme caution.
 
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