Isopod Pests Identification

[Dustin1300]

Tonight while doing some fragging in my tank, came across the following little guy on a piece of live rock.

After quite a bit of searching I believe I might have found an ID on this little guy....I'm a bit paranoid but when I see something like this I'd rather be safe than sorry and get others experiences!

It seems that according to the following Reef Keeper article that this is a form of Isopod, a male Sphaeromatid specifically from what I can tell. From what others have pointed out and said this one does not seem to be harmful to aquaria. Because I'm not 100% certain this is the Isopod I'm housing I'm going to try to pick up a red light to examine the tank at night to ensure I don't have a problem. If worse comes to worse, I might have to move my whole three fish over from the system to my QT and not order any fish <_<

From the following RK Article

If anyone can help with the identification and your experience and knowledge it would be appreciated.

 

[Dustin1300]

Also, from what I've found he can roll up which many say is an identifier saying he is a Sphaeromatid?

 

[Michigan Mike]

Well lucky you it appears to be male. Hopefully you won't have a female in the tank too.
May dodge a bullet.

 

[Dustin1300]

Well lucky you it appears to be male. Hopefully you won't have a female in the tank too.
May dodge a bullet.

From what I've read if it's a Sphaeromatid it's reef safe and just eats detritus. After doing some spotlighting tonight I was able to catch about 10-15 that are in a cup for now. They are fast swimmers, when laid out on a towel they curl up. Not all isopods are the same from my readings or am I missing something?

 

[MrTuskfish]

There are lots of isopod species. Some are fish parasites and can be removed with tweezers.

 

[Dustin1300]

I understand that there are lots of different species of isopods and that some are harmful and not but want to make sure that my ID is correct. If it is a Sphaeromatid then I should be fine and not worry but I've spotted several since finding this one. From what I've added recently, most likely culprit is the chaeto!

 

[Dustin1300]

Have been monitoring the fish each night and not have spotted any on the fish. They are definitely still present in the system so I should be safe? I'll keep a watchful eye but love the things in this hobby that make your stomach sink!