Here There Be Critters!

[NanoKat]

I've been seeing some mighty strange tiny things running around in my tank lately...which is a good thing since I would like to set up my refugium and get a Mandarin someday. Anyway, I spotted these guys that are about 1/4" long a couple of days ago, but they were pretty shy so I didn't see much of them. I keep a pile of assorted shells for my hermits to have a nice selection and apparently someone else has been living in them too. I managed a couple of photos tonight as I had just fed pellets into the tank and one fell right by them, so they couldn't resist the feast:

First they tried to fight over the pellet:

Then the more "piggish" of the two seemed to want it more:

I just noticed that you can also see the assorted "critters" running around on the glass now too. The only thing I can think of that may have contributed to this new influx of life is feeding "Reef Bugs." I bought it a while ago and feed it here and there as a "treat" for the tank. I'm reluctant to use it too much for fear of overdoing it...does anyone have any insight into this? Just curious...but I am enjoying these little guys in the meantime. I'm sure that Mandarin will too someday.

 

[Treeman]

Copepods, ampipods etc. They are very prolific in the tank. They are great to have, kinda like a clean up crew.

 

[bckane]

Copepods....I have-um in my refugium.....
BTW Great macro shot kAT.
Brian :fish2:

 

[Ludwigia73]

Awesome pics... maybe you should start using that camera of yours to the member's benefits, it could probably benefit your wallet as well (or purse, lol) I'd pay for a nice album of pics of my tank, since I can't get a pic that doesn't look like a snowstorm!

 

[scubasteve247]

they are def. amphipods, they can range in color from gray, blue, ive even seen orange and brown. but a amphipods are shapped almost like commas and have antenna and large back legs. copepods are very very small, a full adult is even hard to see, if you dont clean your glass for a few days you will occasionally see them there, even while the lights are on, they appear to be small white specks, or clearish. any of the pods are great to have in your tank and are signs of a good established system.

cool pics

 

[NanoKat]

Thanx for the insight guys! I'll definitely have to seed my refugium once it's up with the Reef Bugs. And thank you Chris for the compliment! I have toyed with the idea of doing a specialization in aquarium photography. I even made up some business cards for it. I'll bring some to the meeting Tuesday . Your tank is gorgeous...I definitely could get some nice shots for you. It's easier when I'm inspired by a nice tank.