Hitchhikers

[jcolon2]

Hello. I recently purchased live rock from an MR member for a great price. I will not say who. My rock setup looks great. However, as I was looking at my tank, after I turned off the lights, I spotted a hitchhiker. :irked:It moved very quick so I barely saw it. From what I saw, it resembled an earwig. It had a dark brown or black coloration and was approximately the size of a fingernail. Does anyone know what it is? If so, does it pose a danger to the tank and how do I treat the tank? The rock also had five hitchhiking starfish but I was informed they are more of a nuisance than a threat. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and have a happy new year.:tongueani

Justin

 

[mr_X]

earwig? i'm thinking it was an amphipod. the salt ones look much like this one. they are harmless scavengers. so are the starfish.

 

[jcolon2]

No, that's not it. Unless amphipods can be black?

 

[knugenx]

could be a mantis shrimp?

 

[xvinny631x]

I have small starfish that eat/bother my clams... Wouldnt say all starfish hitchhikers are not nuissance.. Small white ones btw

 

[xvinny631x]

U got fish food with ur rock! lol

 

[JJSBLM]

could be a mantis shrimp?

nope, not possible.

i am interested to see what these "earwigs" are tho.

 

[SevTT]

No, that's not it. Unless amphipods can be black?

They can be very dark in coloration. How big was it?

Get some moonlights for your tank and let it settle in for a few days, then you should be able to observe whatever's crawling around in there.