What is this plankton?

[catlady25]

We've noticed several of these guys floating around our tank, and they seem to be getting bigger. We're not sure whether to be excited or worried! Any ideas on what they could be?

 

[vetteguy53081]

We've noticed several of these guys floating around our tank, and they seem to be getting bigger. We're not sure whether to be excited or worried! Any ideas on what they could be?

Its a hydroid and best removed before they multiply

 

[Cell]

Its a hydroid and best removed before they multiply

Don't those ones just normally fade away on their own?

 

[catlady25]

Its a hydroid and best removed before they multiply

Great -- thanks for the fast response!! What's the best way to get rid of them? Vacuum them out?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Don't those ones just normally fade away on their own?

No- they cling to a surface and can release cells for new ones. As long as they have a food source, they dont go away

 

[vetteguy53081]

Great -- thanks for the fast response!! What's the best way to get rid of them? Vacuum them out?

Vacuum may work or else scrape off at base and net it out

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Great -- thanks for the fast response!! What's the best way to get rid of them? Vacuum them out?

They usually die off due to a lack of food, yes; if there are enough pods in the tank for them to prey on and/or enough light for the photosynthetic species, then they could survive.

That said, if they're growing noticeably, I'd wonder if they're not jellyfish.

Either way, they're probably not something you want in a tank with fish and inverts.