Crawling on M. danae / tank bottom

gypsyboy38

New member
I have ~20 sps, but the only one these critters seem to be crawling on is my rainbow montipora (2-4 at a time and disappear when lights come on). This morning I noticed that they were also in the back corner of my aquarium on the glass (bare bottom tank) in larger numbers (30+). Here are the pics, will post a few videos shortly.

These images were taken at work. They are only about 0.5 mm long/wide.

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Given their shape and color, they look like algae eating "pods" I can't tell you what species; but if you try the invert forum I bet someone will be able to give you a proper ID.
 
There are few animals resemble very similar shape and behavior. They are generally grouped by the term Ostracod such as Bairdia, Bythocypris and Candona. These animals have vastly different dietary requirement ranging from eating nothing but algae to strictly meat eater. Having said that, generally speaking they are harmless in a reef tank.
 
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