Like hydra but not

[ROFEA]

What are these little growths that are similar to hydra but bushier (less defined and not delicate looking). They grow on glass and plants. They anchor like hydra and react the same way to being poked as hydra (the shrivel up and open after a moment). I can post more pics if needed.

 

[kallililly1973]

Never seen it in person but if it looks like hydra and moves like hydra my guess is its hydra

 

[chromedome52]

A close look suggests that they are freshwater Bryozoans. I think they are filter feeders, hence the more feathery appendages. No stinging cells like Hydra. Not considered harmful, just yucky looking.

 

[richiep]

There you go have a look, chromedome52 got this one nailed I think
Freshwater bryozoans | LIFE IN FRESHWATER

 

[MissNoodle]

Yup bryozoa. I got them too. I like them so they stay since theyre harmless. Bonus... they will feed on cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

 

[richiep]

Yup bryozoa. I got them too. I like them so they stay since theyre harmless. Bonus... they will feed on cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
View attachment 639112

Are they part of the plant ?

 

[MissNoodle]

Are they part of the plant ?

No. They attached to it. They attach themselves to any surface. I have some on plants, some on rocks, some on driftwood. Theyre pretty neat inverts. Some fish will eat them too. My platies like them.


If disturbed they retract inside their tube. On the wood photos is the same colony.


You can see another colony on the rock under the shrimp.

I find colonies in my filters as well. They got introduced from driftwood I took from local rivers. Despite boiling it, they survived and wound up in my tank. Theyre tough. But given that they are harmless and can provide benefits to the tank's ecosystem, I figure its not worth trying to fight them off

 

[richiep]

Thanks for that MissNoodle I've never come across these before, easily mistaken for hydra if your not familiar with them

 

[MissNoodle]

Pictorial guide of hitchhikers - Fish, Snail, Worm And Pest ID Help 428501

I have them listed in the picture guide too.
richie.p I may take a small sample of them and see if meds like planaria zero affect them. Thus far I've used malachite green in this tank and theyre unaffected. I don't want to kill mine, but I'm sure others may want to try, so it could be worth testing out. Id assume copper containing meds would probably do it too since theyre an invertebrate. But with shrimp that's a no-go.

ROFEA could I include this thread link on that sticky thread for future reference?

 

[richiep]

Pictorial guide of hitchhikers - Fish, Snail, Worm And Pest ID Help 428501

I have them listed in the picture guide too.
richie.p I may take a small sample of them and see if meds like planaria zero affect them. Thus far I've used malachite green in this tank and theyre unaffected. I don't want to kill mine, but I'm sure others may want to try, so it could be worth testing out. Id assume copper containing meds would probably do it too since theyre an invertebrate. But with shrimp that's a no-go.

ROFEA could I include this thread link on that sticky thread for future reference?

That's a good idea then it will tell us how tough they are, you could also put it on your hitchhiker thread as a simular species to hydra

 

[ROFEA]

Yes of course you can link!
I've kept a really close eye on this growth and have noticed the shrimp don't actually seem stung or bothered by it so I like the bryozoa label.