Shrimp attacking Reef Lobster??!!

[DaisyPolyp]

We've got a small purple reef lobster that we purcahsed about 3 days ago.He's quickly found himself a hidding spot in a cave under the live rock. When he came out today i noticed he's only got 3 legs left!! i was wondering if anyone knows if that is normal or perhaps one of my shrimp has attacked him?I have a corral bannded ( who's missing his two big pincher claws, but he was discounted at the LFS so i bought him anyway) and a skunk cleaner. Also, he will regenerate them right?

 

[Anonymous]

This is unusual, unless the CB shrimp is bigger than the lobster. Another shrimp that would do this is the elusive mantis shrimp. Ever hear any clicking coming from the tank?

Yes, crustaceans will regenerate missing appendages.

 

[DaisyPolyp]

No I haven't noticed any clicking. The CB is pretty aggressive and quite territorial.Although, I've never seen the lobster make contact with any other creatures in the tank. Could he have done it to himself?

 

[ChrisRD]

What do you have for fish in that tank? Judging by this thread, and the other where you mention mysterious snail deaths, I'd say something is making a meal out of this stuff. Could be a mantis as SM suggested...

 

[Anonymous]

No, the lobster wouldn't be doing it to himself. If that CB is that territorial, you might want to just pull him.