Aquatic lice?

[jclements]

I have some sort of water bug swimming around some of my containers. They collect on decaying pads. Just added some mosquito fish a week ago, but I think they might be a little small for these critters. Does anyone know how to get rid of them, or where they may have come from?

Thanks in advance!

[Bonnie]

Hi Jessica, do you currently have any fish in your pond?   
If you have fish lice (Argulus) more than likely you will see them on your fish.   They're really creepy looking when you get close enough to look at them and even worse if you have a microscope, etc to get a closer view! 


Most people say to use Dimilin to get rid of them but there are also other things such as Program Pills (usually used to treat dogs with Fleas)

I had  them 2 years ago in my pond and use Proform LA but I'd suggest Dimilin or Program..

When I had them I didn't notice any on the decaying leaves of my Waterlilies but then again I usually pick them off before or right when they turn yellow.  I believe that they only reproduce, etc with fish present but I may be wrong.

They can be brought in on plants, frogs, etc..

I've recently made changes to my computer and currently don't have my bookmark but I'll try to find alittle more information for you and post a few links..

Good luck,
Bonnie

[Bonnie]

Jessica, I googled real quick and here's a few links:

http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/disease/argulus.htm
http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/video/fishmovies.htm

http://www.texaskoi.com/Articles/fish_parasites_101.htm

http://koishack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2004&hl=fish+lice

[jclements]

No fish other than the mosquito fish I put in (hoping they would eat them). Maybe these critters came on a plant???

[tammie]

Doesn't sound like lice.  Maybe water striders?
Tammie

[PondmaninAL]

Maybe a pic would help to identify it.

Happy ponding,
Scott

[jclements]

I just caught some and am waiting for my camera battery to charge. These things are so small that I'll probably not get a good photo. They're gray/clear, fairly round, and swim all around, not sporadically. Be back in a bit with a photo.

[jclements]

Here are some photos. These things are pretty tiny and you can view them from the top and side in the various photos.







Thanks again in advance for any help!!!

[jclements]

I just wanted to add that these bugs are transparent/gray in color. The poor indoor lighting makes them look brown. Also, they swim exclusively under water, not on the surface.

Water Slater might be it. Check out this high res photo! http://www.bioimages.org.uk/HTML/P4/P46113.php

This is supposed to be a louse. Maybe this is it?  http://www.peatlandsni.gov.uk/images/wildlife/aquainverts/louse.jpg

Now how can I get rid of them?! Yuck!!!

[LuvMyFish]

I have never seen anything like that before.