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Fast Facts (page 13)
Copepods: The little white bugs you see sometimes crawling on the glass of the
aquarium are actually small crustaceans, called Copepods. These crustaceans are not harmful, but if the their numbers dramatically increase,
it means there is an increase in the crustaceans food source, which includes algae, detritus, and decaying matter. These food sources could be
in the form of an algae bloom, a large amount of uneaten food, or an organism that has perished and is decaying beneath the rocks.
The chance that the food source could be decaying matter in the aquarium indicates you should test your water for ammonia and nitrites (both are very toxic to your fish and live rock) and perform water changes, if necessary. Copepods are a great food source for many species of fish and invertebrates. To control their numbers, consider getting some of the many fish that are natural predators of the Copepods. These include species of gobies, dragonets, wrasses, and pseudochromis. How do Banded Trochus Snails Reproduce: Banded Trochus Snails reproduce sexually by releasing gametes into the water column. The gametes appear as the cloudy white substance. This occurrence is frequently sparked by changes in lighting or water conditions. After the gametes join, the developing larva is called the pelagic stage, and is free-swimming. Later, it settles into the substrate where it develops into a mature snail. To increase the chances of the juveniles reaching maturity, the protein skimmer should be turned off for a week or so when the snails are spawning. Within a few months, the miniature Banded Trochus Snails will begin to appear. A larger population of Banded Trochus Snails is not detrimental to your reef aquarium. In fact, these snails are well suited for reef aquariums. They control algae and diatoms, remain small, and typically do not displace corals or rocks. Plus, because of their shell shape, they are not easily eaten by crabs, and are able to right themselves when necessary. |
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