Mysterious thing in quarantine tank

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

The quarantine tank with ember tetras and a Bolivian ram had this unusual thing. A fish was trying to eat it, but it was too large for the fish’s mouth.

I used Google lens on it, and this came up?

This was formerly a shrimp tank too, could it be a piece of shrimp molt? Idk..?

https://youtube.com/shorts/-2zLC3SjkVQ?si=eLOYeQ55DiHxcUm9

The fish are in Paracleanse, but this seems like it would be too big for a fish to pass.

Edited November 12, 2023 by Chick-In-Of-TheSea

[Guppysnail]

I doubt this is what it is. I’ve just been fascinated with tardigrades since the first time I saw a video on them. Maybe @Biotope Biologist can help you. 

[ange]

Generally speaking tardigrades aren't quite that large. The species that I have at work aren't visible to the naked eye and that applies to most. I think it's more likely to be some kind of rotifer, especially due to the way that the right half is shaped.

[Biotope Biologist]

Looks like a tunicate. Im not sure how a marine animal got in the quarantine tank, but that is what it looks most like to me. 
 

Perhaps this is an example of a freshwater sponge to which I have very little experience with

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

The creature/thing seems to be cut/chewed/broken in half, if that helps. So what we are looking at is half of a thing..

Edited November 12, 2023 by Chick-In-Of-TheSea

[Guppysnail]

On 11/12/2023 at 4:46 PM, ange said:

Generally speaking tardigrades aren't quite that large. The species that I have at work aren't visible to the naked eye and that applies to most. I think it's more likely to be some kind of rotifer, especially due to the way that the right half is shaped.

It is so cool you actually have these. It would be even cooler if you could see them with the naked eye. What a fascinating pet they would be. 

[ange]

I'm back with a tardigrade at 300x magnification for comparison. The translucent silhouette is an exoskeleton with eggs. My creek water didn't have rotifers today but I can try to get some photos within the next few weeks if there is interest.

Edited November 17, 2023 by ange

[Biotope Biologist]

On 11/17/2023 at 10:51 AM, ange said:

I'm back with a tardigrade at 300x magnification for comparison. The translucent silhouette is an exoskeleton with eggs. My creek water didn't have rotifers today but I can try to get some photos within the next few weeks if there is interest.

Nice! Love me a tardigrade. Actually want one of those shirts that says:

”you may not like it, but this is peak form” 

with a pic of a tardigrade on it