What the hell is this thing?

[Si]

Hi,

My Tropical tanks doing real well now but i've got a wierdo hitchiker & I aint got a clue what it is or where it's come from.

Take a look at the pics:

http://www.marinefishuk.co.uk/madsi/images/10122003/

I've found four of em now, the 1st three ended up in the bin but this ones now fully submerged and seems quite happy on the plants.

I've caught it which was a doddle & got it in a small jar but I really need to know what it is and is it anything to be aware of?

Been told it may be dragonfly larvae but not 100% sure. Don't even know how it got in the tank as it's the middle of winter here and freezing cold!

Cheers

Si

 

[tjudy]

Cool!!! That is a damselfly larvae. They are predators, but probably not on adult fish or anything over 1/2 inch of so.

I used to keep aquatic insects in tanks. Lots of fun. Especially dragonfly larvae and predaceous diving bugs... they are a lot more dangerous than your damselfly.

Call it 'Rapunzel'...

 

[Si]

lol cheers - trust the yanks to think it's cool All the limeys are telling me to get rid ASAP lol

I've called it 'Dead Rapunzel' - well it is now cause I quaranteened it & it didnt like it

Gotta admit, I don't fancy leaving it in there so any I see will be pulled out, i'm just amazed at the speed they grow!

Still puzzled how they got there in the 1st place!

Si

 

[tjudy]

The eggs were in the plants most likely.

 

[cootwarm]

I haven't considered putting insects in an aquarium since I was in junior high school, but that would be cool! 8)

Caddis fly larvas were neat the way they would construct a "shell" using plant debris which they carried around on their back like a snail. I'd like to have a 55 gallon set up for native Vermont species if I manage to have the room next summer. Pumpkinseed Sunfish are especially cool and colorful. I'll have to keep insects in mind for this tank when this Vermont winter subsides. :roll:

Back then, I used to bring home anything I could get in my seine or dip net. My mother didn't mind aquatic critters, but she didn't like snakes one bit. I used to have to smuggle them in and keep them in my room. She didn't hardly ever look in my room as she never knew what she would find! :wink:

When I go camping, insects are one of my favorite "wildlife" I like to photograph using a macro lens with a 35mm on a tripod. I could bring some cool aquatic insects home and easily photograph them in a tank.

I wonder what they've been feeding on in Si's tank?

Michael