amphipod?

[JDVC]

This ones a big sucker!! I was looking around in http://www.mov.vic.gov.au/crust/page1.html but couldn't find anything that looked quite like it.

Good (hopefully)? Bad?

Thanks-
-John

[JDVC]

closer (and blurrier) shot.. wish i could get a crisper image

[FishDaddy]

John,
Sorry, can't tell anything from the pictures. How long is this critter? Please describe any distinguishing features. Usually, when someone has an unidentified crustacean hitchiker bigger than the usual Amphipods, it falls into one of the shrimp categories. Pistols; Mantis; or sometimes, even one of the lobster varieties.
Here are some other links that might help you match this guy up:
http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/
http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/
Dick

[JDVC]

Its pretty much clear.. i'd say about .25" long, segmented body... back end is starts to curve under.. looks like lots of little legs.. and antennae... sounds like a shrimp.. doesn't it? it just didn't look like any on that link i was checkin out.. i'll look at these other sites.. thanks

-John

[JDVC]

its still chillin there.. should i suck it out?

-John

[FishDaddy]

John,
I've got some Amphipods that are 1/8 ~ 1/4". If this one is staying out in the open, posing for pictures, it doesn't sound like a Mantis or even a Pistol.....they are shy and rarely behave that way, especially when you approach the tank. Probably just one of the plumper 'pods but no way to tell without a clear pic.
Dick

[JDVC]

Alright.. I'll just keep an eye on him. Thanks for all the help!

-John