Fish Disappeared

[nic3c]

One of our fish has disappeared from our pond. The last time we saw it all of the other fish were chasing it. Is there a chance it could be hiding somewhere from them?

[karmgirl]

Yes it could be hiding. They hide iin places you wouldn't even think of looking. How big is it? Could it have been eaten?

[grasscarp]

I had this happen. I assume that it died and that the others ate it as I never saw it again (or any remains).

[nic3c]

It's about 5" long. I've never seen any birds or cats around the pond. The fish have disappeared for weeks before and then reappeared but it must be a month now since we saw this one and it never appears for food.

[grasscarp]

Mine was at least that size. Netting over the top of the pond means nothing else got to it. I was surprised though cos I didnt realise fish could or would eat each other. No other explanation though.

[nic3c]

Ah, that must be it, certainly as they were all chasing it. Shame coz it was a really pretty one.

[paddywak]

It might just be hiding, as I've never had any fish kill others except for eating fry, usually when you get several fish chasing another round the pond it's because the ones doing the chasing are males after a female who is ready to spawn

[nic3c]

Ah right, how long would a fish hide for if it was spawning?

[paddywak]

they dont always hide and the eggs hatch within 24-30hrs tho' quite often you don't see any young for a quite while as they are not only very small but black. I cann't say this is what happened to your fish, but this is the normal reason my fish chase each other. As grasscarp says it might have just died and gradually decomposed

[nic3c]

Thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye out just in case she's still around.