Strange Unknown Critter In My Tank!

[DReasonWhy]

I found this little guy wandering around in my red cherry shrimp tank one day. Can anyone help me identify it, or whether it will do any harm to my shrimps?

 

[delta]

Good morning.

That is, I believe, the larva of a Damsel fly or Dragon fly. They are predatory towards small fish and fry in this form, whether they eat small shrimp I'm not sure but from what I gather if they can catch it it's they regard it as fair game, so I would imagine that baby shrimp would be at risk if not the adults. If you can, release it outdoors near water so it can complete it's cycle as Damsel flies and Dragon flies are lovely creatures.

 

[dougie]

Good morning.

That is, I believe, the larva of a Damsel fly or Dragon fly. They are predatory towards small fish and fry in this form, whether they eat small shrimp I'm not sure but from what I gather if they can catch it it's they regard it as fair game, so I would imagine that baby shrimp would be at risk if not the adults. If you can, release it outdoors near water so it can complete it's cycle as Damsel flies and Dragon flies are lovely creatures.

Certainly looks like a damselfly nymph - they live at this stage from anything from a couple of months ups to 3 years, depending on temperatures & type. They will eat anything they can catch. I'd release it if you have a pond near you (and if it's native to you obviously...)

cheers

 

[DReasonWhy]

Wow, thanks a lot for the answers! I was starting to hope I might have gotten a free new tank mate for my shrimps.
Too bad, I was starting to like it.
Thanks again for saving my shrimps' lifes

 

[alihar]

Cracking pic of it!

 

[delta]

I KNEW larva was the wrong word but I couldn't think of the correct one for the life of me

 

[DReasonWhy]

I KNEW larva was the wrong word but I couldn't think of the correct one for the life of me

Haha I haven't got any idea myself
It's actually kind of cute though... Maybe I'll keep it in a separate tank and see how it will grow