Lost fish, no evidence?

So I seem to have lost my first fish. Did a water change yesterday, counted 6 healthy zebra danios afterwards.

Woke up this morning, only 5 are in the tank. No body. Tank is securely covered, so the fish didn't jump out. Nothing in the filter intake. Water parameters are good...seems just like freak accident.

What could have happened? The only other inhabitants in the tank are 5 cherry barbs and 2 platies. Could he have died in the night, and the other fish consumed his remains completely? I've searched around the plants and rocks and in various crevices, no sign of the fish at all.

 

It's possible that he died & the other fish have cleaned up, fish can jump out of the smallest gap so just double check all around the outside of the tank & under furniture nearby

 

I've had similar experiences with danios just vanishing. I never found any remains in or outside of the tank.

 

Some fish bury themselves when they die

 

I have had that happen too.....assumed it made a tasty meal......lol

 

I had a loach disapear on me, never found him to this day. and I took down the entire aquarium sand included. I chalked it up to it jumping out and a cat got him :<. had another loach die because he got trapped in some hollow spot in decoration that isn't meant for fish.. now I either don't use that sort of deco or I fill it to make sure nothing can wiggle itself in and get trapped.

 

I found one once behind my filter box if you have a hob.

 

Oh and found a loach IN my canister filter... he was not a happy camper but is alive. they go where they aren't supposed to >.

 

Such a weird occurrence. Not sure why he died...they were all pretty healthy-looking, and my water is fine.

It's kind of a blessing and a curse...I'm hoping to get rid of the danios eventually to make some room for some more colorful fish, but it sucks now because with the smaller school, they might get a little more nippy with the other inhabitants.

Thanks everyone!

 

Found him alive and well! See here for the story: