Aliens From Outer Space

[Teacher Martyn]

Hello,

I've just picked up some bogwood in my tank and these two bizarre bugs wandered out from underneath and across the gravel.

Black, with what looked like six, maybe eight, legs.

Backsides seemed to be pointing in the air.

Crab-like walk on delicate legs (but forwards).

Spooky. Anyone know what they are?

Please tell me they're not evil and I have to go in search of them and remove them. They were quite creepy.

Thanks

Martyn

 

[zain611]

Hello,

I've just picked up some bogwood in my tank and these two bizarre bugs wandered out from underneath and across the gravel.

Black, with what looked like six, maybe eight, legs.

Backsides seemed to be pointing in the air.

Crab-like walk on delicate legs (but forwards).

Spooky. Anyone know what they are?

Please tell me they're not evil and I have to go in search of them and remove them. They were quite creepy.

Thanks

Martyn

You need to get a interpet parasite remover as these may harm your fish. Please dont take my message seriously but do check other messages as i may be wrong

 

[StandbySetting]

Could be damselfly larvae.

 

[pablothebetta]

I'd heck the hitchikers thread. Assellus aquaticus are a bit like woodlice, but obviously they don't have backsides that point in the air. Any pics?

 

[Teacher Martyn]

This is a picture of a ladybird larvae. Obviously that's not what they were, but they looked similar.

 

[Prime Ordeal]

If they are similar to that then they are dragonfly larvae, otherwise probably mayfly larvae.

 

[Teacher Martyn]

If they are similar to that then they are dragonfly larvae, otherwise probably mayfly larvae.

OK. Thanks.

Assume they're no harm to my fish. Smallest is a glowlight tetra and a couple of young sliver-tip tetras.

I'll fish them out next time I see them as I cannot find a chemical remedy for their existence.

Came as a bit of a surprise. Wasn't expecting things to scamper away when I picked up a piece of wood.

 

[OldMan47]

There is no chemical remedy. They will prey on small fish and fry. Whenever you find dragonfly larvae it is time to remove them before they do any harm in your tank.

 

[prankster705]

http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Q8gUTmyd8
edit: warning, a live tadpole gets eaten, thus demonstrating the hunting powers of a dragonfly larvae.