Monster Pod

[Snotman]

Ok...easy questions for most of you guys!

I alwasy worry that I dont have a suitable pod population as I dont see them, and to be honest I have yet to do a night watch of my tank to confirm either way. I have added a couple of large pod cultures to my tank so presume I have.

My questions:
Last night whilstbusying myself about the tank I say a molt float past. This molt looked identical to the Amphipods I have seen pictures of. A kidney bean shaped flea like bug. It was clear and looked just like my normal shrimp molts hence I am calling it a molt. However, this molt was over 5mm long 8O
Can pods get that big?
Do they even Molt?

 

[tecwzrd]

Yes pods get that big and yes like most inverts they molt as they grow. Typically you won't see the molts but I have from time to time. I suspect once you do a night watch you will be happy to know you have TONS of them

 

[roka64]

I agree, all of the inverts that have exoskeletons will molt, to let them grow. I generally see them come out when I feed the tank and some food lands next to a rock, they don't come all the way out but I can still see them.

 

[Snotman]

Cheers for that.

I saw the size of the molt and thought "Holy Crap" these are supposed to be like flea's ! I thought I may have the pod equivelent of Godzilla in there somewhere

 

[tecwzrd]

pods is a generic term for over 12,000 species of Calanoid, Harpacticoid, and Cyclopoid invertebrate. Granted most are flea size some can get up to 1/2".

www.wetwebmedia.com has a great article for more info on them