thanks jeff. the store here told me it was the real deal. i looked at descriptions to see the difference between the true and false. i already had flying foxes so i knew it wouldnt be them. they are 3 for 5 dollars and all over an inch. compared to the internet price it seems amazing. thanks for your help. i see them nibbling at things but no luck with the bba yet. ill give it time. ill starve them next week for 2-3 days. now i think there is enough other types of algae for them that starvation wont work.