goners

I haven't seen Caleb in two days. I thought he was hiding, nervous in the new environment. He didn't seem stressed when acclimating to the water but when released into the 10gal immediately darted away behind log in the corner. I thought he was hiding. Left the lights off for a day. Then something started to stink. It was water-change day and I was afraid he might be dead. I lifted out the planted driftwood. Nothing. I did find empty trumpet snail shell on the floor nearby- maybe that was the stink. But how did it get there? Must have fallen off a plant/wood piece when I lifted it out? I don't know how long the snail was dead- I hadn't seen it in a long time but always assumed it was under the gravel or just coming out of hiding at night. It is strange that I couldn't find the algae eater's body anywhere. A slender fish, but to disappear so fast? maybe the nerite ate him.

So I'm back to basics again- just a few danios, one betta and the tough guys- my cherry barbs.