Is this a Pod or mantis shrimp baby?

[Nanoreefer1999]

Pod or mantis shrimp baby? Little confused. I’m somewhat new to the hobby.

 

[Ben.QLD2]

You're going to need to post a better photo and maybe circle what you're talking about.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I dont know whats in your pic, but a pod is litterally a dot, sometimes even smaller than a dot.

A mantis shrimp is large and can't be missed, just compare it to pics of mantis shrimp online. (or post a better pic)

 

[Sharkbait19]

Can’t make anything out in the pic, but it sounds like you’re describing an amphipod.

 

[Nanoreefer1999]

Can’t make anything out in the pic, but it sounds like you’re describing an amphipod.

It is floating in the middle of the picture. Just blurry

 

[Nanoreefer1999]

Look like this

 

[PR_nano]

The shape appears that of an amphipod if it’s the object in the skimmer neck on the water level

 

[Cthulukelele]

Look like this

Amphipod. Fish food.

 

[Nanoreefer1999]

The shape appears that of an amphipod if it’s the object in the skimmer neck on the water level

Yes that is the object in the skimmer. Thank you for noticing it in a very bad quality iPhone 8 camera

 

[Sharkbait19]

Definitely an amphipod.
Great algae eater and fish love them. You likely have hundreds.

 

[Cthulukelele]

Definitely an amphipod.
Great algae eater and fish love them. You likely have hundreds.

Yep for every 1 you see there are likely 100+ living in your rockwork and crevices nibbling algae and detritus and being gobbled up by your fish

 

[Nanoreefer1999]

Yep for every 1 you see there are likely 100+ living in your rockwork and crevices nibbling algae and detritus and being gobbled up by your fish

And that’s a good thing. Basically meaning my tank has matured?

 

[Cthulukelele]

And that’s a good thing. Basically meaning my tank has matured?

Yep it's a good sign of at least relative stability and habitability. Amphipods are probably the hardiest of pods and the ones a lot of reefers see first--especially since they're much larger and more noticeable usually. 100% good sign just like the little coralline blooms I can make out on your glass!

 

[Sharkbait19]

And that’s a good thing. Basically meaning my tank has matured?

One of the major steps in a tank’s life is the growth of microorganisms- so definitely a good thing. Their numbers will go up and down naturally- especially with fish in there.

 

[Cthulukelele]

One of the major steps in a tank’s life is the growth of microorganisms- so definitely a good thing. Their numbers will go up and down naturally- especially with fish in there.

Yeah don't freak out if there aren't many fish right now and you add a few and don't see them anymore. They naturally live nocturnally mainly, and once there is more fish pressure you'll have to look a bit harder or at night to see them as much!

 

[kevgib67]

And that’s a good thing. Basically meaning my tank has matured?

Even though I started with live rock I bought amphipods and added them to my tank to increase the population.