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The munnid isopod is a harmless and even benficial herbivorus isopod.
The variety of isopod species is vast. Some are predators while others are quite harmless and should be considered beneficial. More often than not, the ones that we are most likely to encounter in our tanks are the beneficial variety such as the herbivorous munnid above.
These 1-2mm pods are found on the glass and rock and just about any surface that has algae to rasp.
You can usually see them congregating in an area to eat algae that you may or may not be able to see. The waterline is a good place to observe them looking for food items.
A group of munnid isopods.
There can be some variation sin appearances to the naked eye. The large males can be seen with powerful front appendages and the female can be seen at times carrying eggs.
The male (left) can be differentiated from the female (right) by their large front claw-like appendages.
The female in the pic is carrying eggs.
The males can often be seen fighting over a single female.
| Flusher or a Keeper? |
Definately a keeper. Excellent food supplement for anything that will eat them. Adds variety to the microfauna. |
| Removal Suggestions |
Why would you want to? There are many fish that will eat them. |
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