Wacky Pod?

[HBnano]

I was feeding my gorgonia and noticed this dude snuggled up on a branch. I figure he's a harmless pod of some kind, but my biggest fear is that he is a baby mantis. Anyone have any ideas? When I poked him with a stick he zoomed into the rocks extremely fast. Reminded me of a pillbug you'd find in the backyard under a rock.

 

[new reefer 03]

if its that HUGE thing in the pic its deffinately not a pod. maybe a mantis how old is your tank? did you buy your LR cured or uncured???

 

[althea2you]

kinda looks like a chiton

 

[HBnano]

The pic is an extreme closeup. The bug was maybe 1/8". The tank is 4 months old and has cured, live rock.

 

[HBnano]

I kinda thought it might be a chiton. REALLY hoping it isn't a mantis. It was a dull grey/brown, and the mantis I've seen have some pretty striking colors.

 

[charlesr1958]

I believe it is a member of the Sphaeromatidae family of Isopods. Considered harmless in the reef aquarium as they are generaly scavengers/detrivores. Check the zooplankton section of :

A Hitch Hikers Guide to the Reefs

Chuck

 

[cbrownfish]

Yes, looks like an Isopod to me as well. Compare the pics and be sure that it is not a predatory species.....looks suspect to me.

 

[HBnano]

Yes, it looks a lot like the pic of Sphaeromatidae. I haven't seen it in the gorgonia since I poked it with a stick. I'm inclined to think it's harmless. Thanks for the assistance.

 

[HBnano]

He's back. Caught him sitting on a shell. He's only 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.

 

[hma]

Ischnochiton sp

 

[cbrownfish]

Ischnochiton sp

Are you referring to the Chiton Heinz? They don't disply external eyes like this specimen.


Based on the new picture, I am inclined to agree with charles' Sphaeromatidae ID earlier in the thread. The wide set eyes are a strong clue....most predatory Isopods would have closer set eyes and you would often see them on your fish.

Sphaeromatidae::“Cute As Buttons”

 

[hma]

It is an opportunity due to the first picture. Unfortunately, the second picture is a little too indistinct for a clear statement but It can absolutely be a Sphaeromatidae.

 

[naperenterprise]

Yeah it sure does look like a Sphaeromatidae

Looks like two different things in both of your pictures...

 

[Boomer]

Chuck is correct it is a Isopod and more than likely a Sphaeromatidae.