Copepods or not copepods? Tis the question

[luconi]

Hi. I just had a population of something apparently go crazily high in my tank. Someone told me it was copepods, but I want to be sure. They are very tiny and can move seemingly quickly for their size. From what I could tell they might have tiny antennae and maybe small appendages on their bottoms (like things that might possibly help them swim or move.) I am not entirely sure though... Also, it appears that on some there is a small brighter white circle on the top or bottom of them (the head maybe?) and then a more dullish white other body section. Also, is it normal for the population of copepods to seem to explode overnight or over a couple days? They seem to be hanging out on the glass of my tank too. Thanks!

 

[xboxdisc]

Yeah, they're copepods.

 

[LeslieH]

I agree, copepods. Their populations really do change rapidly under certain conditions.

 

[luconi]

Ok Thank you!

 

[bobbychullo]

I agree, copepods. Their populations really do change rapidly under certain conditions.

I'm curious about those conditions... the population in my tank does fluctuate. a few weeks ago I had seemingly thousands, now the pop has dwindled. i'm not really worried, just curious to the conditions they thrive in as opposed to conditions that limit their population...

i assume that dosing phyto in the tank with cause their population to grow rapidly...