Creature Found In My Planted Tank

[paladin]

Hi guys,

i just noticed this little thingy on the plant of my tank. I dunno whats the name of the plant but when i wanted to take out the stalk and put it into another tank, i saw this creature.

It has 6 legs, 2 big eyes, a head that looks like a praying mantis and a tail. The tail is like a house lizard tail but there are small sections that divides the tails.

It looks kinda friendly. You got any idea what is it?

[Pseudogobiopsis]

It's a damselfly nymph. If you have small shrimps, it would be a good idea to catch and remove the damselfly nymphs, as they are fierce predators.

The 'tails' are actually the gills, which absorb oxygen from the water. When there is low dissolved oxygen, the nymphs are known to wag their abdomens, in a bid to create some current and aeration that will raise oxygen levels.

See my post here in another thread about my attempts to raise damselfly nymphs to adulthood. You could try the same, and take photos of the adult that has emerged. But it's best to keep it in its own container, to be fed with live prey like tubifex worms and adult brine shrimp.

[paladin]

IMG_1507.jpgIMG_1506.jpg

Hi, thanks for helping me to identify!
Yes indeed its a damselfly! This morning it climbed out of the tank and it grows wings overnight!

Didn't noticed that there is a similar thread... i shall continue from there.

Thanks again! =)

[stormhawk]

I hope you didn't kill it. Some species are considered endangered. They are beautiful insects, if you see past the predatory nature.

[paladin]

I hope you didn't kill it. Some species are considered endangered. They are beautiful insects, if you see past the predatory nature.

No worries bro! I condone killing! Hehe... even thouse house beetles or spiders, i'll catch it and release it. This damselfly simply rest on my service yard ledge. Hehehe...

[stormhawk]

Should take clear photos and ask the Nature Society guys for an ID.

[paladin]

Hi stormhawk,

I've posted the pic to Project Noah... so far no reply from them... =)

[stormhawk]

I typically email What's That Bug at www.whatsthatbug.com but sometimes they don't reply back. It's hard to get a response from entomologists these days, if they are very busy.

[Pseudogobiopsis]

The problem with Project Noah and What's That Bug is that their focus is still very much on organisms from other continents, in particular North America and Europe. You could approach Mr. Tang Hung Bun, he's one of the local dragonfly and damselfly experts.

Singapore Odonata

[HappyGuppies]

Bro, if it's a new species you might get to name it after you - Paladinfly!

[paladin]

Bro, if it's a new species you might get to name it after you - Paladinfly!

Haha... That sounds great! =)