Anybody Know What This Is?

[SierraReef]

I've got a new tank started and there are these wierd bug-like creatures. They are brown and at first glance can look like algae swaying with the water's motion. They have appendages that resemble arms on their upper torso, and on their heads they have antennae or eyes - I can't tell which. They're maybe 1/2" tall. They move around like inchworms unless their swept away by the current, then they do a little wiggly swim. In an odd description, a friend said they look like that living candlestick guy in a Walt Disney movie. I don't have the capability to post a picture and I'm not sure I could get a clear one without a super macro lens anyway. Does anyone know what these little critters are?

PS - still looking for a mentor on my big tank (from a previous post) - what, no takers?

 

[OrionGirl]

http://reefs.org/hhfaq/ Check here--good pics of most common hitch hikers. At a guess, it's a type of pod.

 

[SierraReef]

Nope - nothing even close. This bug is like a little human stick-figure without separate legs. When it's standing there it looks like it has arms and eyes (maybe antennae). It flows with the water, then it bends down to snack on whatever it forages for. When it's ready to move, it uses an inchorm motion. I've never seen anything like them, and there's quite a few of them.

 

[mogurnda]

Skeleton shrimp, maybe?

A type of amphipod. Some prey on small crustaceans, some are detritivores.

 

[SierraReef]

That looks like it - thanks!

 

[corriewf]

Those are awesome! Thanks for the pic.