What Is This?

[Amar Salam]

I've found a small half inch green shrimp like creature in my tank. I have no idea how it got in there, I havn't added anything new to my tank in well over a month and half and I have removed all orniments and fish from my tank at least twice since then.

It has 3 tail things. and 2 big eyes on either side of the head. its looks like a green stick insect. it also doesnt like being out of water.

I'm not sure how to add any pictures, so if any one would show me how i would really appriciate it, and i will be able to show you a picture of the thing.


Thank you.

 

[Amar Salam]

http/imageshack.us/g/853/img0990s.jpg/

hears a link

 

[This Old Spouse]

It just looks like some kind of larval insect. I wouldn't think it's harmful. Just gross.

 

[Baccus]

From the description it sounds like either a mayfly or dragonfly nymph, either can be hazardous to small fish or fry in the tank, other larger fish usually just eat them. Check out common hitch hikers in the Tropical disscussion part of the forum and see if one of the pictures matches your critter.

Also to upload pictures you need a photobucket or flicker account where you can copy your pictures from to the forum.

 

[nurglespuss]

Sounds like a Damselfly or possibly Stonefly nymph.

 

[loraxchick]

Dragonfly and damselfly nymphs have 3 "tails". mayflies have 2 and stoneflies dont have any noticeable tail-like appendages.
only harmful to very very tiny fry. Bigger fish may eat it.
cheers

 

[nurglespuss]

yes thats why i said damselfly, stone fly nymphs can indeed have 2 tails... (or an extended body that makes it appear they have 3)

 

[Amar Salam]

Yup. It's a dragon fly nymph. I Only have three snails and three ottos so I will leave it in the tank. Aparently will take almost a year for it develope into an adult.