Help with Identification

[pet]

Recent I started to see micro-organisam crawling around/along the glass of my fish tank. I would like to understand what is these...is it a kind parasite?

Any Inputs Appreciated

Pet

[bawater]

Nope,the exact species i can't tell you but its part of the copepod population, there are thousands of variations between amphipods & copepods(shrimp like/bug like). Its also plays a role as part of your micro & macro fauna. Most probably came with a new piece of macro algae or LR.

U may have a population explosion at first but this doesn't last as they are part of the food chain and as u go along u will see less & less of them.

They feed on smaller micro-organisms.

Parasites like fluke & ick u won't be able to see swimming around(in their free swimming stages) with the ###### eye-as they are just too small.

Another thing to tell if its a parasite is that if u noticed any fishes or corals affected. If all is fine in the tank, then they not doing any harm.

The one i circled looks like the one in your pic>

[pet]

Thanks, U are right, my fish, Clams and Coral are fine. I guess these will contribute to the food chain.

BTW, anyone out there happen to encounter such incident?

Regards,

Pet

[KingFish]

During my tank cycling, when NO2 started to dip, I had a sudden explosion of these pods, one can literally see them crawling all over the glass and floating about.

I got dizzy several times staring , but I took a rest and went back t it again

My guess is this event is more common during tank cycle, and as bawater pointed out, possibly when a macroalgae or LR is added, but they probably won't last very long as they soon fall into place below the food chain.

[Tanzy]

They are feeding on algae or on other stuff that is feeding on the algae, that's why the population explosion during the cycle. They are constantly crawling all over my aquarium glass. Comes in many different size and shape.

[anakjoh]

I experienced the same too during tank cycling with LR.

The picture u took looks like there's a cowboy strutting along in it.

BTW, I understand that u need plenty of these to feed a mandarin fish. That's y only mature tank with plenty of LR can only sustain these fish which do not feed on normal food. I would like to know has anyone kept mandarins with success in a mini reef?

I really like the mandarin but has been discouraged by my LFS because mine is a mini-reef.

[Achilles Tang]

I really like the mandarin but has been discouraged by my LFS because mine is a mini-reef.

Which LFS is that?

That's amazing... a conscientious LFS!!!

Oh... you're in Malaysia.. I wish there are such LFS around here!

Which one is izzit? I may go up to KL and would like to check things out!

[anakjoh]

At least 2 LFS has readily told me that n one more sort of reluctantly admit it.

AT, if u ever come to KL, u must see the 6 ft display tank at East Aqua Studio in Taman Maluri. It's awesome. It's not a "reef' concept like yours but much like a display poster. Colours aside, the health of the corals testify to the splendid system.

As I offered b4, any SRC member visiting KL can look me up to be yr guide. No fanciful eqp. I'm afraid but if u have time to spare, no harm seeing a few aquariums.

Just send me a pm n advance notice please.

[Tanzy]

Time to organise club trip to KL.

All we need is bus and hotel rooms.

[anakjoh]

Wahh....if come by busload, I must employ logistic manager!! N also demand commission from LFS for whatever u may buy.

Perhaps, 3 max at a time n someone can take pic to post in SRC forum.

[onghm]

And don't forget the garlic brineshrimp and beer

[dodo]

I think it's a good idea to go on a trip to Malaysia to look at the LFSs...from anakjoh postings...they seems very responsible and knowleadgable

[anakjoh]

Don't have high hopes - I'm not promising anything. Just saying that if u have time it doesn't hurt to see some aquariums. But the one I mentioned is A MUST SEE!

BTW, any LFS open during CNY in S'pore? I'll be back in JB from Fri to Mon.

[hotsoup]

Dun try the lfs during CNY. they're likely to be closed for a couple of days

[harlequin]

Mandarin fishes can be trained to eat frozen brine shrimps by soaking them in garlic.

[anakjoh]

Thanks 4 all yr replies - perhaps I will try mandarin much2 later

[Wrassy]

I have copepods too but they seems to attach itself to my clowns fin or body izzit ok for the fish?

I bot mandarin to eat the copepods but then I find the fish like to hang at the water surface Why like that? Thinking of jumpimg out of the tank izzit? Haha

Later at nite it go hide into the LR Dinner time also never come out Is this sign good or bad?

Plse advice