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About Nathan
Expertise
I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!

Experience
I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible. What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!

Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > funny bugs in our tank

Freshwater Aquarium - funny bugs in our tank

Expert: Nathan - 11/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, recently we found funny little critters in our tank. About 1cm long, they are little antennaed opaque critters, in a tube that they have built out of woody bits and paint bits off an ornament! One was crawling along the gravel, the other 2 were attached to the resident piece of wood. Sorry, too little to get a clear photo. We live in Australia, any idea what they might be?

ANSWER: Hi Carolyn,

That's rather puzzling! They sound like freshwater aquarium shrimp, but there's no reason that they'd be there unless you bought them!

The most common aquarium critters that randomly find themselves into the tank are Planaria, and mosquito larvae, and both do not seem like what you are describing. As long as they are not harming the fish (unlikely), you do not have to worry about them. Perhaps they are small fish fry, or maybe a snail or two that came with a plant? If you could describe the mysterious creatures in detail or post a picture in a follow-up question, I'd be able to give you a more accurate answer.

For the meantime, you can remove the creatures as necessary. Remember to do those weekly water changes! Water changes promote clean water and prevent any bugs from hopping into your tank...

I hope this helps - feel free to ask any more questions you may have.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Nathan, but they don't look like shrimps, more like an anaemic ant! They are too small to get a clear photo of, but I will see if they turn into anything. The whole animal/tube thing is no longer than 1 cm, and only 1 or 2 mm thick. Cheers.

Answer
Hi Carolyn,

They could possibly be Planaria. These are light-dark brownish slug-like creatures that can be found in aquaria. Whatever it is, the things living in the aquarium are NOT harmful, just potentially unsightly. You can just remove them by hand (or net).

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

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