Swarming Amphipods

Jacuzzi · 12/27/2009, 10:45 PM

So I lost my wrasse to the unknown about two weeks ago and I now have amphipods all over everything. Just wondered if this could ever be or become a bad thing? I enjoy it you can watch them fight and run around all day plus their a good food source from what I know. Only thing in the tank is hermits, nassarius snails, lawnmower blenny, and Softies in 40 gallon breeder with about 40 pounds of live rock. Pic shows a small area in back.

maynardjames · 12/28/2009, 12:11 AM

i dont think they will cause any problems. some will die off when their main food source is depleted. maybe someone else who knows for sure will post

Nano sapiens · 12/28/2009, 12:40 AM

Uncontrolled Amphipods *can* be a problem if you have Zoas and Palys (especially the fleshy tentacled types). May also depend on the type of Amphipod since the larger Gammarus types (up to 1/2" with bronze striping) are known to be a problem in some tanks.

If you don't replace your wrasse, then keep an eye on the Zoas. If they close up and stay closed for no reason suspect the Pods.

captstinky · 12/28/2009, 06:04 AM

The population will likely reflect how much feeding the tank gets. Other than that, a quick swipe with the magnet moves them off the glass for nicer viewing of the tank. They are great to have as part of a clean up crew, IMO. Sometimes I get a 'hatch' and my clown goes batty on eating them.

12/28/2009, 12:11 AM	#2
maynardjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: west tennessee Posts: 1,600	i dont think they will cause any problems. some will die off when their main food source is depleted. maybe someone else who knows for sure will post

12/28/2009, 12:40 AM	#3
Nano sapiens Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: East Bay, Northern California Posts: 658	Uncontrolled Amphipods can be a problem if you have Zoas and Palys (especially the fleshy tentacled types). May also depend on the type of Amphipod since the larger Gammarus types (up to 1/2" with bronze striping) are known to be a problem in some tanks. If you don't replace your wrasse, then keep an eye on the Zoas. If they close up and stay closed for no reason suspect the Pods.

12/28/2009, 06:04 AM	#4
captstinky Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 309	The population will likely reflect how much feeding the tank gets. Other than that, a quick swipe with the magnet moves them off the glass for nicer viewing of the tank. They are great to have as part of a clean up crew, IMO. Sometimes I get a 'hatch' and my clown goes batty on eating them.