Almost a year ago I noticed these small white creatures swimming around my tank. They look like little white dots and their behavior reminds me of ants. They primarily live in the gravel but can be seen above as well. When I first noticed them I was very concerned that they might be harmful to my fish. I tried to vacuum them out and treat with parasite medicine. They continued to live and reproduce. I have primarily rare/fancy plecos and discus. All my fish were eating them so I was a little worried. I just monitored it as there was nothing else to do. My fish began to grow fairly fast and there seemed to be less health issues. These little guys eat the extra food that the plecos leave and even algae. I even raised a fry and they would eat the dead ones, but not the live ones, so it kept water quality good. After a few months the fry began feeding on them as well. If I go out of town they seem to diminish a little, but when I return they keep coming back. Some smaller discus and an eel prefer eating them to the food I provide. I have 4 tanks and have since put them in all the tanks. I have given some to several friends in town that have tanks of their own and have the same results. Not sure how I got them. The only thing I can think of is they came from some driftwood I bought online? I’m happy I have them, but still wonder what they are. Does anyone have any experience with this and can tell me what they are??? Any help with this appreciated!
Regenerating live food supply in my fish tank
- Thread starter Sushi67
- Start date
My initial thought would be some form of water mites/parasites/bugs/etc. Since they do not appear to be harming your fish, I am very curious as to what they actually are.
Is there any way you can take pics (or even better a video) ?
Is there any way you can take pics (or even better a video) ?
Hey , head over to the Freshwater disease forum , someone posted a thread with a vid of similar type creatures and someone in that thread identified what they were in his tank. Maybe you have the same kind of creature?
The thread is called "Never Before Seen Organisms"
The thread is called "Never Before Seen Organisms"
I just checked out the thread "never before seen organisms" and watched the videos that were posted. That looks exactly like what I have. Mine are more white, but some have a brownish tint. They were identified as seed shrimp (ostracods). I was about to have a sample sent off for curiosity's sake. Must have come from the driftwood. Sometimes there is too many and I have to vacuum up a few million every now and then. My discus love them. If I leave town I have peace of mind knowing there will be food. Either way I'm glad I got them! I appreciate the help!!!