Bug ? Id

Snappy · #1 07-16-2007, 07:18 AM

I got a couple of bug looking things in some Australian live rock. I have never seen these before, they kind of remind me of a potatoe bug but are more elongated in shape and seem to have 10 legs, the back is a couple of shades of brown. They don't seem to swim but crawl around like a bug. I caught one and qt'd it. I don't want something I'm unsure of in my system. I got it out my frag prop tank, I used a large piece of flat rock to built a shelf instead of using (algae magnet) eggcrate. Anyway I guess I should post a picture but does anybody have an idea what this creature might be and is it reef safe?

Matt · #2 07-16-2007, 02:57 PM

If it looks like a potato bug, maybe google isopod.

Snappy · #3 07-16-2007, 05:01 PM

Yes I think it is a type of isopod, just not sure if I want it in my tank, here is a picture of it.

TheReefGuy · #4 07-16-2007, 05:48 PM

That looks like a real bug from out side.

SeaShell · #5 10-21-2007, 03:23 AM

Hi Greg,

Did you ever get an id on that bug? Take a look a this site: http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm It might be a Chiton?

Reef_kid · #6 10-21-2007, 03:57 AM

they are not good to have in the tank they will chew on your fish
which in turn will cause infections!! best flush him!!

untamed · #7 10-21-2007, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef_kid

they are not good to have in the tank they will chew on your fish
which in turn will cause infections!! best flush him!!

I think you are thinking of ciranolid isopods. They look similar, but they are fast swimmers, not walkers. No, these are not ciranolids.

I would leave it them in the tank unless you see them doing something specific that you don't like.