unknown critter found in planted tank

[carlfsk]

I notices the leaves of my e. tenellus have been falling off and floating on the tank surface, even though they are still bright green and healthy. I have thought that the shrimps are biting them. To my shock, I saw a caterpillar-like critter eating the leave of the tenellus. These are some pictures of it.







Anyone have this in their tank before? Anyway to ensure there isn't any more in my tank?

[juggler]

Wow - this caterpillar lives underwater?
Any updates on this?

[Qwekcm]

Hi there,

Without a closeup pix, I can only guess that it is a Caddis Larvae. Soon it will spin a web before it turn into a adult caddis fly. Strange, this fly/larvae is usually found in fast flowing water. Your occupant may habe hitcha ride from host plant from it naturnal habitat.

Hope this help.

Qwek

[patricc]

Not surprising..... I got a few dragonfly or mayfly larvae before in my tank.... dunno how they got there also....

[carlfsk]

Wow - this caterpillar lives underwater?
Any updates on this?

I manage to spot all of them and rid them from my tank. These creatures will use leaves of my tenellus to cover their body as camouflage. I'm not sure about predator, but it's pretty easy to spot them for me.

[carlfsk]

I guess your right spot on. They must have hitch-a-ride from their natural habitat through the plants I bought from the lfs and end up in my tank.

My brother, who is a newbie, also got these in his plant / tank, and they indeed turn into flies. In the end, he gave up this hobby.

I believe we got the plants from the same lfs.

Hi there,

Without a closeup pix, I can only guess that it is a Caddis Larvae. Soon it will spin a web before it turn into a adult caddis fly. Strange, this fly/larvae is usually found in fast flowing water. Your occupant may habe hitcha ride from host plant from it naturnal habitat.

Hope this help.

Qwek

[carlfsk]

Not surprising..... I got a few dragonfly or mayfly larvae before in my tank.... dunno how they got there also....

From my observation, no more leaves floating, there isn't anymore in the tank.

I am lucky as they only eat the tenellus, and not my narrow leaves gujing. Otherwise I will be