Weired looking plankton???

**rayme07** · 07-03-2010, 01:51 AM

Hey everyone, this is the first time I have ever seen these types of plankton (at least I think it is plankton) swimming around in my tank. They look sort of redish sticks with a bunch of arms that help them swim or crawl on the glass. Does anyone know what they are? They are way to small for my camera to get a picture so sorry. Thanks.

**CarmieJo** · 07-05-2010, 02:06 PM

It sounds like a carpellid amphipod to me. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rs/index.php

**THEJRC** · 07-05-2010, 05:48 PM

I'd have to see a shot but it does sound like an amphipod. Carmie I think might be right on track. Bear in mind these guys will get pigmentation and color quite often from what they're eating.

**SaltyDawg** · 07-05-2010, 06:53 PM

could also be Anthurid isopod. A pic would be awesome.
http://museumvictoria.com.au/crust/mov1662t.html

**saxman** · 07-08-2010, 05:21 PM

take a look in this pictorial ID guide and see if you can match it up with anything. i'd guess Munnid isopod from the description you give.

LL Hitchhiker ID guide

**CarmieJo** · 07-08-2010, 09:50 PM

Greg, I wondered about Munnid but I have only seen mine crawl on the glass or macro. Have you seen them free swimming?

**rayme07** · 07-11-2010, 11:16 PM

Thanks everyone for the help, sorry I have not gotten back to you guys I have been away on a trip visiting my grandma and grandpa. But anyways from comparing the pictures it looks quite a bit like an Anthurid isopod (Mesanthura astelia) but with more arms that are closer together and when they swim they wiggle their whole body while paddling their arms. They are very interesting to watch in the tank.