ID please

Reef Junkie

Premium Member
I'm guessing it's an Amphipod?
One of my clients found it in his tank the other day.
Slightly different then most of the pods I'm used to seeing. Especially with the large eyes.
PossibleAmphipod.jpg
 
based on the large eyes i think it could be something in the EPICARIDEA family or a cirolanid but am not positive.

HTH
 
That looks like it could be one of those nasty, parasitic Isopods.
 
both of what Imentioned are parastic isopods. It is just a question of which type andahat is the prey


now the problem is how to get rid f them
 
Bill,

While Ron might have focused on the parasitic isopods, there are quite a few harmless ones as well. I'd try and isolate it and ID it as well as possible before going crazy ;)
 
Thanks Bill.
I guess it's a wait and see type of situation.
None of his fish seem effected, so maybe it's nothing.
 
If you catch it in a jar and put some alcohol in there with it, you can bring it to me at SUNY Maritime College. We're right over the Throgs Neck. I'll bring it to my invertebrate zoology class.
 
Its my isopod. :D :eek:
I saw it in the AM before the light came on, just lying as you see it. It then moved very quickly and then dissapeared. Have only seen it that one time. I think it came from some live rock that was put in 6 weeks ago, or more. I have had fish in the tank for 3 weeks and all are fine... no fins or tails missing. I'm closely monitoring the fish, and have not seen this 'isopod' ever attached to them.

So the question is, how long will this isopod go before deciding to attack? at what point can i put a few more fish in?

As of now, i only have 2 percula and a algae blenny.
 
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Take a look in the tank with a flashlight after the lights have been out a few hours. If it's a parasitic isopod, you'll find it on the fish. Otherwise, it's quite likely to be a harmless one ;)
 
Bill, you are probably right, but isn't there also a chance that it is in the Epicaridea group and therefore would prey on shrimp and lobsters?
 
Matt,

It's a very small chance, usually the only place you find those are already attached to the shrimp/lobster.
 
good idea w/ the flash light...
my clowns are juvies, about 1" in length.
the blenny is about 3".
is there any chance this isopod would not have interest in these fish, and is waiting for better prey? or would it just go for it?
 
Great movie, but I really didn't like the ending.
Was kind of a cliff hanger...

I'll have to see the creature you caught when I come over next.
 
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