Strange Critters Living In Gravel?

[Flubberlump]

I changed the gravel in my fish tank the other day. I put about half the tank water and the fish in a bucket, then scooped the gravel out with my net. This obviously stirred up some gunk from the bottom of the gravel, but I also spotted some strange creatures swimming about. I've kept fish for about 13 years and have never seen anything like them!

They were about 4mm long and white, with a body and about 6 legs at the front (from what I could see), and a longish tail with a fork at the end. At first glance I thought perhaps my otos much have been breeding, as the length of their tails was the same sort of shape and proportion to the body as the otos, but then I had a closer look and noticed the legs. They almost looked like some sort of shrimp, although I have no shrimp in the tank. Is it possible that some shrimp eggs from the pet shop could have been transferred in the water last time I bought fish/plants? I have no idea how long they've been there, as the tank has been set up for almost 2 years and this was the first time I've seen them, so I assume that they must live in the gravel. Now that the tank has been reassembled they are nowhere to be seen! The fish are all perfectly healthy so I can't imagine that they are parasites, unless the eggs were laid on one of the fish and then transferred to my tank. Is it possible that they have come from the fish food?

Sorry for the essay any help would be much appreciated. I don't want anything in the tank that could harm the fish. I don't have any photos as they have now disappeared from view again.

 

[Paradise3]

Did they look like this?
http/www4.samford.edu/schools/artsci/biology/research/images/mayfly_larvae.jpg

They sound like Mayfly larvae which can come with live food, plants or in the water when you buy new fish.

 

[Prime Ordeal]

Probably a mayfly or damsel fly larvae.

 

[betta fish]

They sound like some sort of nymph perhaps mayfly/damselfly? most likely a clump of eggs was laid on some plants you introduced which have now hatched and they are seeking shelter in your gravel as they are vulnerable at this size, depending on what kind of nymph they are they may or may not be an issue to your fish as some are predators on small fish once they get bigger but I think you'll know about it by then! if you keep larger fish they will most likely eat them so I wouldn't worry

 

[Flubberlump]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Ooo yes Paradise they looked a lot like that! They were more translucent white though, but they could be young I suppose. I have 4 otocinclus, 2 corydoras, 3 platys, and 4 tetras. Platys seem to eat just about anything so I imagine they'll soon eat them if they get the chance. They don't seem to be making a nuisance of themselves or causing any problems at the moment, and I haven't seen any since changing the gravel, so I'll jus keep a close eye on the tank and fish.

 

[smokeyjo]

Why don't u stir the gravel up a bit to get them in open water the fish will have a chance to eat them then

 

[Prime Ordeal]

They don't seem to be making a nuisance of themselves or causing any problems at the moment

They're only ever a danger to fry.

 

[Flubberlump]

Ok great thanks

 

[BigTuna]

Hello everyone, I am new here. I have a question for the experts. Tonight, out of the blue, I have noticed a few dozen (or so) tiny little snail looking things in my small freshwater tank. I have not recently added anything to the tank. Old gravel, my three freshwater fish, and a few ornaments. No live plants. They are not in clusters, but individually scattered all over. Mostly clung on to the glass. They are definitely living, as they are slowly moving. Is it possible my fish have reproduced? They aren't anything that I would have imagined fish to look like.

 

[Nosphaer]

Hello everyone, I am new here. I have a question for the experts. Tonight, out of the blue, I have noticed a few dozen (or so) tiny little snail looking things in my small freshwater tank. I have not recently added anything to the tank. Old gravel, my three freshwater fish, and a few ornaments. No live plants. They are not in clusters, but individually scattered all over. Mostly clung on to the glass. They are definitely living, as they are slowly moving. Is it possible my fish have reproduced? They aren't anything that I would have imagined fish to look like.

Creating a separate thread or posting at least one clear picture would help the more experienced folks help you out. I want to suggest dormant snail eggs, but I don't know about the biology of snails, so that's likely to not even be possible. XD