Cajunalien Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 This little guy appeared in 2 of my almost completely cycled freshwater tanks. And, yes, I have added new plants within the last 3 weeks. I don't mind hitchhikers if they are harmless. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppysnail Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 I am NOT an expert i dont know where you got your plants but as soon as I seen your pictures this was my first thought. I found some internet pics and tried to circle and illustrate why I thought this hoping if this is not it it may put you on the track to identify. fish lice 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeg Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 (edited) @Cajunalien I was kind of thinking of fish lice like @Guppysnail but your photos have the two arm things sticking out and now im thinking a weird copepod without a tail or a tiny water beetle species. I should clarify I am NOT an expert as well I am thinking about predacious diving beetles, which can munch on tiny fish copepods are harmless though, fry will them too Edited July 29, 2021 by Keeg Just some more info 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajunalien Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 Thanks for your input. I had trouble finding a close pic online. It swims really fast, darts around super quick, forward swimming and uses the two little side flippers to propel, I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KBOzzie59 Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 (edited) Does it swim upside down? My first thought was https://pondinformer.com/backswimmers-notonectidae/ Edited July 29, 2021 by KBOzzie59 Pre-Mature Submit Button. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajunalien Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 Nope, upright. Very fast darting motion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppysnail Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 Ok this really intrigued me so I did some snooping. Got the idea out of the article @keeg posted. this is a darn close match as a possibility lesser water boatmen they apparently eat algae and dead plant material 1 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajunalien Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 That is exactly the little guy I have! Thank you so much for your time and input! I have been in the fish hobby for 30+ years, but only 1 year with live plants and dirt, etc. I love looking at all the little copepods and ostracods in my tanks with my magnifying glass. It really is a fascinating little universe all on its own! I love it! Thank you all! I haven't posted much, but I read everything you guys discuss and have learned quite a bit to supplement my research. Happy fish, happy life! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voltron Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 (edited) I believe it is back swimmer or water beetle. Edited July 29, 2021 by Voltron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajunalien Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 Thanks for your input. I got my answer from Guppysnail, it is a lesser water boatman. So it is a type of water beetle I suppose. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voltron Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 Next time I will read more before posting. I saw that after I posted. Glad you got your answer though. You will have to watch it grow up and let us know what it is. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajunalien Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 I will. I actually have a couple more in one other tank that I cycled with this one. I'll keep you guys informed as they grow. Happy fish keeping! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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