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QualityAqua has attached this picture to aid in identification. The message is below.
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QualityAquaJanuary 25th, 2010, 6:12 am
Posts: 2Hello

I've found a very similar "insect" like the one in the pic in my tropical fish tank...

Can someone please help ID it and let me know if it is harmfull to the fish and plants and if so what is the best way to eradicate them?

NB: found the pic on another forum but it had no id...

Thanks in advance!
TaxonJanuary 25th, 2010, 8:40 am
Site Editor
Mercer Island, WA

Posts: 921		QualityAqua-

The photo you posted from another forum is of a damselfly nymph. If the fish in your aquarium are as small or smaller than the nymph, it will likely eat them. On the other hand, if the fish in you aquarium are significantly larger that the damselfly nymph, one of them may eat it. If you don't want the damselfly nymph in your aquarium, either attempt removing it with an aquarium net, or just wait for it to reach nymphal maturity and emerge.
Roger Rohrbeck
www.FlyfishingEntomology.com
QualityAquaJanuary 25th, 2010, 9:41 am
Posts: 2thanks for your reply taxon!

I caught one on Saturday. Sunday I found the largest guppy female (about 7cm) in the tank dead with a hole bored into its side... so I'm guessing theres more in there.

I'm catching all the fish out of that tank and removing all plants tonight and will then bleach the entire tank which I'm hoping will kill off any that are in there.

thanks again!
TaxonJanuary 25th, 2010, 10:38 am
Site Editor
Mercer Island, WA

Posts: 921		QualityAqua-

That doesn't sound to me like anything a damselfly nymph would do. Perhaps an aquatic beetle or waterbug. Is it possible for you to take a macro photo of the culprit, and share it with us? In any event, your plan seems sound.
Roger Rohrbeck
www.FlyfishingEntomology.com

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