Latst tank visitor from Nth Queensland

[wayne6442]

Hi everyone, I found this fascinating little creature in one of my tanks. It arrive a couple of weeks ago with some detritus accompanying some native caridina shrimp from Nth Queensland. At first I thought I was imagining things when I saw this little piece of wood ( about 12.5mm) moving around on the bottom of my tank with the shrimp. Today my curiosity got the better of me and "whala" Now all I have to do is to find out Just who and what this little guy is??? BOB UP TO YOU< have you any ideas?

[Trav80]

Oh wow, that little guy is so weird.

[Jess]

Did a bit of Googeling and it seems to be a something called a "caddisfly". Awesome!

[fishmosy]

My first thought was caddis fly larvae.

[northboy]

Pretty sure it is a Beetle larvae, there is a few Caddis fly up here to, there could be any thing in the leaf litter Wayne so keep an eye out.

Move it any way as it will eat shrimplets, then you can see what it becomes.

Bob

[wayne6442]

( Google information Caddis fly nth Qld) Hi Guys, Well if it is a Caddisfly, depending on what sub species ,(12000 varieties) and it's preferred habitat. Slow water or swift running streams, will depend on how dangerous it will be to the shrimp. They both can be carnivore's, but the little guys from the still/slow waters are mainly algae and detritus, eaters, live in constructed camouflaged homes while the guys from the swift water usually don't have any home, As they are the stronger ones they could hunt down small shrimp but usually stick to scraping algae from rocks etc to eat. As you can see the little bloke I have, has a great little stick home, so I am guessing that he is from a quite slow stream. I intend to keep him where he is for the time being and watch him closely. Thanks again for you thoughts on his identity Regards Wayne

[northboy]

Wrong Wayne

It is from a fast stream about 2mts pr second flow speed, that is why I said most likely a Beetle ( I am wrong often). Hatch it and see. It is a predator regardless so keep it away from your shrimp.

North QLD goes from Mackay up, FNQ is Cardwell/Tully up.

Bob

[wayne6442]

Hi Bob, Thanks a heap for your info, actually I was re thinking your advice from earlier, so I have just started to set a small couple of ltr tank for him. It will be an interesting experiment for me. If you have any other funny little things up your way send them down please! Wayne

[northboy]

Now you have opened a can of worms, there is tons of them and every time I go out there is something new to look at. i am going chasing bugs for a customer tomorow.

You don't want big ones I am thinking? some of the bugs are 7 or 8cm long and 3 across.

Bob

[wayne6442]

No Just small ones ( hopefully won't attack my shrimp or me haha:D) and possibly some Zebra shrimp as well. should be fun Wayne

[fishmosy]

Ever seen a water scorpion? Now that is a bug worth keeping. Or the large diving water beetles. Its a shame both are highly predatory.

[northboy]

Hi Ben

We keep the Green and gold beetles with fish and have no issue, so long as the fish is Blue eye or large Neon size or bigger its all good and they are clowns, most amusing.

The giant water bugs are awesome but dam they can put a bight on you and it hurts.

Must get some photos and put them up

Bob