Firefish injury - pistol shrimp invaded its cave?

beepboop · Jun 29, 2024

I’ve had a firefish and tiger pistol shrimp living peacefully in my tank for about 6 months. Two days ago, the firefish suddenly had a chomp out of its tail. He’s swimming and eating fine, but very reluctant to go back into his cave. I also noticed the pistol shrimp had expanded his tunnel into the firefish’s cave, so I suspect he’s the cause of the tail injury. I put rocks over the entry the shrimp had made and added another piece of rock separate from the main structure, hoping to provide sanctuary for the firefish. For the last 2 nights, the firefish has slept in his usual cave. But this morning, I noticed he has another blood spot on his body

I worry he was attacked again. He’s swimming and eating fine still.

My question is, how do I promote the firefish finding a safer spot for himself before it’s too late? His original cave is part of the main rock structure which is quite large and would be nearly impossible to move. Help please. Thanks in advance

Pics are of first injury and suspected second injury.

Other tank inhabitants:
Yellow watchman goby
Pair of Oc. clowns
Tailspot blenny
Cardinal fish
Cleaner shrimp
Peppermint shrimp

MnFish1 · Jun 29, 2024

First - assuming nothing else is going on with other fish, etc - you're likely right that this is aggression - possibly from the shrimp. If I were you, I would either plug up the 'old' cave and let the fish find a new one, or vice versa as you've tried, obliterate the current shrimp tunnels, and let it build new ones. I would carefully watch the second red area - which has a risk of infection.