Is this a mayfly larva? (And more creepy crawlies from my tank)

[enrgizerbunny]

Pictures say it all. I've seen this thing running around in my tank for a while and it gives me the heebie jeebies. The worm/leach is stretches to about 2 inches, is the largest of its kind(there have been others) and was sucked up during deep vacuuming of the substrate.

I'm changing to sand in the spring so the tank will get cleaned with vinegar in the process.

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[Piratechest]

Curious as to what this is. XD


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[enrgizerbunny]

Clear cup in attempt for better picture

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[enrgizerbunny]

This is about as good as I can do right now

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[Bichir Bro]

Doesn't look like a mayfly larvae, I know I've seen those stupid bugs before and I'm rackin my brain tryin to think of its name.
As to that worm, leech, thing I'd honestly light it on fire and ask for forgiveness cuz that thing is scary.


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[CoeurSauvage]

Dragonfly nymphs


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[Dallascowboys16]

I second the dragon fly nymph but I'm surprised to see that this deep into winter...

 

[Fresh2o]

Third on the dragonfly nymph. I've seen one attack a small crayfish (3/4") once.


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[Bichir Bro]

Ah yes. The dragonfly. Wow. That should've been easier to recollect lol.


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[dcutl002]

The worm in your first post looks like planaria. Detritus worms are more spindly and that worm is a little thick and chubby. I am not sure what the bug is.


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[Fresh2o]

Does the worm stretch and contract when it moves? If so, it probably a leech. I used to find those in the bio filter in a pond I once had (along with snails, amphipods, and Bryozoa).


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[enrgizerbunny]

Does the worm stretch and contract when it moves? If so, it probably a leech. I used to find those in the bio filter in a pond I once had (along with snails, amphipods, and Bryozoa).


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This exactly with the stretching. It also swims when you dump it into open water until it finds something to hold onto. I thought planaria on the other ones I've found but this one seems way too big. Both of them got flushed last night.

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[Nils]

You could have raised the dragonfly nymph, that would be pretty cool. And yes, that was a dragonfly nymph, like the others said. You probably don't want leeches I guess, unless you want your fish dead.

Nils

 

[uncgirl1]

Oh my gosh. I hope I never see these things in my tanks. I would be sufficiently creeped out. Is this a normal occurrence? I have never seen or heard of such a thing. (probably just showed my newness there) How does this happen?

 

[enrgizerbunny]

Oh my gosh. I hope I never see these things in my tanks. I would be sufficiently creeped out. Is this a normal occurrence? I have never seen or heard of such a thing. (probably just showed my newness there) How does this happen?

It happens when you take plants from a local waterway and not rinse them in vinegar.

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[uncgirl1]

It happens when you take plants from a local waterway and not rinse them in vinegar.

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Whew. Well I won't be doing that anytime ever. lol

 

[enrgizerbunny]

Is a dragonfly nymph an aquatic insect or is it the larva stage of a dragonfly?

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[SushiRoll]

That leach/worm thing isn't planaria. I used to have them and they were small like really tiny and they were white and they were only on the glass.


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[Fresh2o]

Is a dragonfly nymph an aquatic insect or is it the larva stage of a dragonfly?

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Larval stage of the dragonfly. The dragonfly has a voracious appetite (good for you, bad for horseflies and Mosquitos). The nymph is no different; it has modified mouth parts that cover part of the head. These are attached to hinged limbs that can be extended forward. The tip separates revealing a set of serrated "jaws" that they use to ambush their prey. Think "alien" from the 80s Scify movies.


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[enrgizerbunny]

Larval stage of the dragonfly. The dragonfly has a voracious appetite (good for you, bad for horseflies and Mosquitos). The nymph is no different; it has modified mouth parts that cover part of the head. These are attached to hinged limbs that can be extended forward. The tip separates revealing a set of serrated "jaws" that they use to ambush their prey. Think "alien" from the 80s Scify movies.


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Sounds like he was a good cleanup and kept the leaches in check. Probably the reason all my MTS got taken out too. I don't know if I have any left

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