How does a healthy fish just die?

[Andy V]

So I came home today and found my favorite fish dead. It was a Super Male Red Margin Fairy Wrasse that was half of a pair. It was by far, the best specimen I have ever seen.

I don't understand how this happens...I know it could be a number of things. But last night he was looking great, very healthy, very colorful, very active. Then I come home and he's half eaten by the hermit crab.

All of the corals and other fish are fine, parameters all rock solid, and nothing could have got in the tank. The only thing that was somewhat off, is that last night he chased the female around, but just a little bit. He never bothered the other two fish in the tank.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[frank180reef]

how long did u have the fish?

 

[Andy V]

Sorry I forgot that detail! I have had him for six months.

 

[Yanni]

If this is wild caught perhaps it was just age, or maybe it got into a fight with another fish...any surgeon fish in the tank?

 

[Furnman]

I had a crab that killed 1/2 dozen fish before I got him.

 

[Andy V]

If this is wild caught perhaps it was just age, or maybe it got into a fight with another fish...any surgeon fish in the tank?

No, the only other fish was his mate, a yashia goby, and a purple firefish. There wasn't anything that could have killed him. It was wild caught, so I suppose it could be age.