Greetings.
This morning I noticed something new in my painted turtle's water. At first glance, it appeared to be tiny bubbles. But there were a lot, all throughout the water column. And when I looked closer, they were moving in the current but also moving on their own. Also on the gravel.
Internet searches were exasperating, and my current conclusion is possibly some kind of copepod. However, I'd like to ID the species (if possible) of whatever these creatures are.
Again, the creatures are small and quite circular (mimicking the appearance of small bubbles). They are basically white or transparent, and under my pocket microscope I see grey stripes that start near the center of their back and curve towards the belly. No visible appendages, which seems odd.
I'm going to try to (although I don't think can) attach a few pics and vids. Help would be appreciated. Regardless, I'm embarking on a full tank cleaning because I don't feel comfortable with the population size of these creatures.
I haven't added any new decor in months. I also haven't fed live food in almost as long. So I'm at a loss for how the creatures entered his environment.
This morning I noticed something new in my painted turtle's water. At first glance, it appeared to be tiny bubbles. But there were a lot, all throughout the water column. And when I looked closer, they were moving in the current but also moving on their own. Also on the gravel.
Internet searches were exasperating, and my current conclusion is possibly some kind of copepod. However, I'd like to ID the species (if possible) of whatever these creatures are.
Again, the creatures are small and quite circular (mimicking the appearance of small bubbles). They are basically white or transparent, and under my pocket microscope I see grey stripes that start near the center of their back and curve towards the belly. No visible appendages, which seems odd.
I'm going to try to (although I don't think can) attach a few pics and vids. Help would be appreciated. Regardless, I'm embarking on a full tank cleaning because I don't feel comfortable with the population size of these creatures.
I haven't added any new decor in months. I also haven't fed live food in almost as long. So I'm at a loss for how the creatures entered his environment.
