[11thEarlOfMars]

My tank is well-planted and seemingly happy, but the fish population has dropped in the past year. I'm sure natural attrition explains much of that, but I'm concerned the tadpole madtom (about 3 inches long) is eating the least killifish specifically as their population has gone from "hordes" to "a few", and no other fish would seem capable of eating them. Same thing happened to the bluefin killifish population. Other fish in the tank include several golden topminnows, 2 female sailfin mollies, a couple bluefin killifish, about 3 mosquitofish, 5 flagfish, and a tiny swamp darter... nothing that would seem likely to eat anyone else.

I've seen some articles saying TMs only eat invertebrates, algae, and detritis, not fish. However, he is tough to get food to as he hides all day, so I wonder if he's resorted to nighttime raids on bigger prey. Anyone know for sure if this guy is likely to be picking off the little fish?

I hope not... my 10g NPT has a thriving population of amphipods and snails (only) and I really do enjoy watching them... and I know they'd be quickly consumed if I moved him there. Hope I'm not forced to build a 3rd tank ;D

 

[11thEarlOfMars]

Oh Lord, what have I started? Lol

For the record, the water parameters are perfect and the fish behave completely normally. Fish seem to just disappear, I have found maybe 3 dead fish in a year.

I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords...