fish lice

[shimmer]

My kid claims there are fish lice in my 135 fish only live rock tank. Anyone know anything about them?

 

[Reefmack]

Are these attached to the fish, or on the glass? If they're not attached to the fish they are probably copepods or amphipods and are safe. There are parasitic isopods that attach to fish, and I think should be pretty easy to spot. If it's tiny white spots on the fish it may be ich - also not a good thing.

Melevsreef.com - Isopod

 

[reefracer]

I've seen little, tiny almost specks crawling around on glass, rock, etc. in my tank that are almost to tiny to see. Like Terry says, I figure it's just some sea life. Never on the fish tho.

 

[wm23oh]

Fish Lice become large. If you had fish lice in their I'm positive you would know as the fish would show signs of stress not to mention a pencil eraser sized bug stuck on it's side (when fully grown)

The tiny specs are pods and such. A good thing.

 

[shimmer]

thanks all! You've settled another argument with the kids...

 

[Reefmack]

shimmer - I guess that means you don't have fish lice?

 

[shimmer]

I don't see anything on the fish so I think I am lice free---will report back if I see anything....

 

[Woodstock]

Sounds like yummy marine bugs to me ... AKA copepods