Copepods?

[Neilie]

Every time I let some film algae build up on the glass, I notice copepods crawling around. I like looking at them through a jeweler’s loupe, and today I noticed quite a few that looked almost crab-shaped, spider like.
I tried to take a picture, but they’re microscopic and it’s really hard to get a good photo. I’ve been trying to look them up online but can’t find anything that looks like these.
Does anybody have any idea what these are called, or can anyone make them out from the picture?

 

[Reef Jedi]

Interesting! Copepods are more tear drop shaped. Maybe an isopod? Following to learn.

 

[Neilie]

Hopefully it’s not something bad, I asked chat GPT it’s saying possibly a tiny marine mite (Halacaridae). I did a small video maybe a little clearer to see.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Hmmmm it could be a hydroid, seeing that video seems to spark that in my head. The circular little body with the arms makes me think it’s in that family.

 

[Neilie]

Ok starting to get worried now. Shot some video with the lights adjusted

 

[Neilie]

Wondering if I have to worry about the fish, I just finished quarantining a yellow tang and put him back in the DT.

 

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I believe it is a Halacarid mite, there's not much information on them online however. I would keep an eye on your fish and corals, from what I have read some are algae eaters and pose no threat.

 

[Neilie]

I believe it is a Halacarid mite, there's not much information on them online however. I would keep an eye on your fish and corals, from what I have read some are algae eaters and pose no threat.

Great thanks, hopefully the mandarin eats them also.