Unknown bug

[FishyReef]

Caught a glimpse of an unknown critter in my tank today and am looking for ideas on what it might be. I checked out the common pests/hitchikers thread and am not sure if it is any of those. It moved really fast, had legs and antaennas, light grey in color, and a maybe 2 centimeters in length. It was not a bristleworm or other type of worm critter. I am actually concerned it may be a baby mantis (it moved a bit like a mantis moves), but am wondering if there is anything else that it might be? It darted across a rock and disappeared before I could really get a good look at it. I saw a clearer version that moved in a similar manner about a week and a half ago in the same area - that one was much smaller - not sure if its the same one that has grown or if I have multiples in my tank. Ideas?

Thanks!!

Also, if it is a baby mantis, is there any fish that will eat them? I read that the sunrise dottyback might eat them but I don't know if this is really the case (just like people say the CBB will eat aiptasia but many don't and starve to death instead). I've had a sunrise dotty on my stocking list but wanted to wait until I had finished adding my peaceful fish before adding a dotty. However, if I have a baby mantis, and the sunrise will eat it, then maybe I should add one sooner rather than later....

 

[little_fish]

sounds like an amphipod, they can get quite big

 

[fastrd400]

Are you hearing any snapping, or popping noises at night? That would be a clear indication of a Mantis or Pistol shrimp. You can also try putting a piece of sqiid or shrimp on a stick, dangle it in front of where you have seen this thing and see if he will come out to get it.

 

[FishyReef]

sounds like an amphipod, they can get quite big

That was my other thought based on the pics in the pest/hitchhiker thread, or that it could be an isopod - if it is an amphipod or isopod, can I just leave it and forget about it, or will it multiply and become a pest over time? If I need to get rid of it, any ideas how?

Are you hearing any snapping, or popping noises at night? That would be a clear indication of a Mantis or Pistol shrimp. You can also try putting a piece of sqiid or shrimp on a stick, dangle it in front of where you have seen this thing and see if he will come out to get it.

I wondered if I might be able to hear the snapping/popping but wasn't sure if I would in a baby. My tank is at work, so I'm not here at night to listen. But I do have some frozen krill at home, so I'll bring some of that in and put it on a skewer to see if I can lure it out next time I feed. I'll also turn off all of my pumps, etc., to see if I can hear anything when I try feeding it.

Thanks!

 

[Bifferwine]

If it's a pod, it's harmless and there's no need to worry about it. One of your fish will eat it eventually. :)

 

[cpetrosky]

if it is a mantis shrimp and you catch it i would love to have it:)