isopod I'd?

Wiz · Dec 6, 2014

didn't know where to post this 1 sorry if it's in the wrong place.I found this guy in my sump not too long ago and has me very concerned. It appears to be an isopod. But I cannot tell which family being that it has characteristics of more than 1. Can anybody I d this little guy for me so I can put my mind to rest or do what needs to be done. Thank you

saltyphish · Dec 6, 2014

At first thought I was thinking Aegid which I believe is bad but now that I have seen this picture and the shape fits a lot more I am thinking Cyclopoida family which is a harmless grazer. check out this link Hitch Hiking Copepods, Isopods and Amphipods and look at the third row pics. Good luck.

Wiz · Dec 6, 2014

Great link

I think that type does look similar. Bug the fact that its translucent leads me to believe its much smaller. And mine is not see through. However the link was awsome. And bygoogle imaging the family names I found this pic which is remarkably similar only a varying color. It was on a blog with this statement: Not all isopods are bad. Sphaeromatids, look similar to cirolanids, but can curl into a ball when touched. Cirolanids can not. Sphaeromatid isopods are harmelss detriivores.Sphaeromatid isopods

Lionfish Lair · Dec 6, 2014

Yup, those are Sphaeromatid. Cirolanids even look mean, with their eye placement. Roly Polys remind me of baby seals

Lionfish Lair · Dec 6, 2014

This is a male

This is the chick

This is my hand, for size comparison.

Wiz · Dec 6, 2014

Glad its not a bad one. This one was bigger. More like the size of your finger nail. I thought it was cool until I saw the legs. Ther're intimidating. No need to pull the fuge apart :-D

Lionfish Lair · Dec 7, 2014

I've only seen them ONCE. Not everyone gets to see these, you should share your observations.

Wiz · Dec 7, 2014

I only saw it one night took some pics and vid and then closed up for the night it was gone in the morning and haven't seen it since. But I will post the vids on the video forum right now. :-D