Acro bugs that aren't red??

[Aquattro]

I was examining an acro yesterday for AEFW under the microscope, and found a bunch of little bugs running around that almost looked like isopods. Probably the same size as red bugs, maybe a bit longer, but flatter. Transparent body, dark center, 2 orange eye spots. tail end slightly tapered. They didn't appear to be causing any damage, but there were more than you would expect for a simple random bug on a coral. I probably saw 6 on one branch. The coral (nice tri-color) looks beautiful, lots of color, no apparent damage (other than some AEFW eggs, hatched).
anyone ever look at acros under a scope and identify something like these guys?

 

[allsps40]

Sounds like red bugs to me. I got to see mine under a microscope when I took a frag to a vet for interceptor. I think I found some on a frag the other day as well, it was quickly removed from the tank. Dont see how I have RD again I got rid of them a few years ago and now I dip everything that goes in the tank and only by for a few sources with known clean tanks.

 

[allsps40]

sorry DP some how

 

[Aquattro]

No, not red bugs at all. I've seen both with the microscope. Red bugs are, well, reddish (actually more yellow with red heads). These are flat, clear isopod shaped critters.

 

[allsps40]

Strange. I remember RD under the microscope to have kind of a red orange head. I saw one eating a polyp under a microscope! I would dip in interceptor just in case as this stuff kills any kind of invert.

 

[Aquattro]

No, I can't really justify treating with Interceptor for bugs that are probably benign.
I also found AEFW and hatched eggs on the same coral, but found no sign of any damage other than tissue necrosis at the egg site. No bite marks, no polyp retraction, no loss of color. I have 100+ colonies in the tank, and no signs of AEFW damage anywhere except two tri-color colonies (nana and a valida). And on these, the only sign is slight recession at the base.
So, for all I know, these little bugs are keeping the worms in check. Not likely, but my tank is stunning with no real signs of pests.

 

[allsps40]

Using best judgement by daily viewing of a tank is the best overall method IMO, sounds like a good plan. If nothing is wrong leave it be. I was assuming you where having a issue and found these. Wrasses I am sure you know will keep AEFW in check. AEFW really seem to like tri colors for some reason.

 

[lobsterotomy]

I've recived frags from a local reefer that had these bugs - a bit larger than red bugs (which were also on the frag :uhoh3. No idea if they're deletrious or not in the long term, but they do exist

Needless to say these corals never made it to my tank, so I can't tell you if they do anything.

 

[Mark 75g]

Aquattro,
I have the same bug on my tan acro. Here is the thread I posted with close up pictures of the bugs. It shows that they are some type of pod. No issue with the aco. It is growing well and has good PE.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2017944