Bug? Id

[Snappy]

I got a couple of bug looking things in some Australian live rock. I have never seen these before, they kind of remind me of a potatoe bug but are more elongated in shape and seem to have 10 legs, the back is a couple of shades of brown. They don't seem to swim but crawl around like a bug. I caught one and qt'd it. I don't want something I'm unsure of in my system. I got it out my frag prop tank, I used a large piece of flat rock to built a shelf instead of using (algae magnet) eggcrate. Anyway I guess I should post a picture but does anybody have an idea what this creature might be and is it reef safe?

 

[james734]

Really need a pic.

 

[Snappy]

Here's the best photo I could get. It's about 3/8 of an inch long

 

[sihaya]

I think it's an isopod of some sort (not the scary kind though).

 

[Snappy]

I think you're right about it being an isopod but I am not sure I want it in my tank. I hope it's reef safe.

 

[sihaya]

I'd put it back. I say this because I think it's an algae eating Idoteid. And I say that because of its camouflage-like coloring and the fact that you can't easily see the eyes. The Cirolanids and the Aegids have really obvious eyes.

But, I usually put stuff back unless it's painfully obvious it needs to go. A lot of aquarists don't like taking that kind of risk though.

 

[sihaya]

In any case... be happy we don't find these in our tanks!
http://www.quartzcity.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/giant-isopod.jpg

 

[NaH2O]

Gads, Sara....can you imagine if we could get something like that in the tank??? It would be like finding a 6 foot long Eunice worm :shock:

Snappy - here is some reading for you on isopods:

Pills, Parasites, and Predators; Isopods in the Reef Aquarium

You Can't Tell Your "Pods" Without A Program...

Cirolanid Isopods by Keith Clarke and Ron Shimek

 

[Reeferdude]

That is one scary bugger! As for the original topic...Like sihaya, I normally leave things untouched unless obvious destruction/harm ect occurs as well...

 

[krisfal]

In any case... be happy we don't find these in our tanks!
http://www.quartzcity.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/giant-isopod.jpg

Yikes!If I found something like that in my tank it could change my mind about this hobby and maybe make me consider abandoning the house!

 

[Snappy]

I've decided to toss it in the sump where it can live happily ever after.

 

[Damsel13]

I don't think I like isopods..............

 

[NaH2O]

Yikes!If I found something like that in my tank it could change my mind about this hobby and maybe make me consider abandoning the house!

ROFL!! :lol: Too funny

 

[sihaya]

LOL... don't forget about the isopods that crawl into the ears of sharks and eat out their brains.

(not making that up)

 

[Herefishyfishy]

LOL... don't forget about the isopods that crawl into the ears of sharks and eat out their brains.

(not making that up)

I've never ran across that before, you have a link to any evidence?

 

[Boomer]

Here yah go

http://www.niwascience.co.nz/ncabb/abb/2004-07/isopods

 

[sihaya]

Haha... Boomer, you the man!

 

[Rod Buehler]

It would be like finding a 6 foot long Eunice worm :shock:

Like this one that I found. It stretched to an easy 7'.

I dug that out of a 4 foot tank (72 bow), and broke it into 3 pieces. After the first 2 pieces broke, the worm still stretched across the back of the tank and partially up the sides. Cool but a little creepy!

 

[sihaya]

Aren't they just magnificent? ...so beautiful. They remind me of dragons. I'd much prefer to come across a huge eunice worm than any cirulanid isopod.