Are everyone's pods this big?

[Bossman]

I've ordered pods from Algae Barn before and they're small, some too small to see. I believe it was the Tisbe that I ordered. Other then that, no intentional introduction of pods to my tanks.

It seems some of my pods are pretty big. Every time I clean filter socks I spot numerous pods. As you can see in the pic, the big ones are more then 1/2 inch in length.

Could anyone identify what kind of pods these are. And does everyone have pods this big?

the dime is for reference

 

[Adamantium]

They’re amphipods, as opposed to copepods.

 

[mtfish]

Those are amphipods, not copepods that you order. Maybe came in on some frag plug or live rock. They are part of your CUC and some fish eat them.

 

[Bossman]

You know, I don't know my pods! So they're amphipods. At one time, I put some live rock in one of my tanks. And numerous frags as well.

Are these just as plentiful/common as copepods?

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Those are definitely amphipods. I have them and they are just as big as yours.

 

[Ike]

Yes, and they're generally harmless, but if you don't keep them in check they will eat certain zoanthids. For some reason they seem to especially like PE types

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Yes, and they're generally harmless, but if you don't keep them in check they will eat certain zoanthids

They also ate my gsp.

 

[Bossman]

Very cool!

At night after the refugium light turns on, I can see them working through the Chaeto. Always amazes me seeing new life in the tanks.

 

[mcshams]

Dude...don't brag.. You got big pods.. we get it

 

[Bossman]

Yes, and they're generally harmless, but if you don't keep them in check they will eat certain zoanthids. For some reason they seem to especially like PE types

Good to know! I have a few zoas but have had much better luck with palys. I'll watch them. I do have wrasses and dragonets that are constantly searching for pods.