Pros and Cons for Amphipods?

[Scottmac]

Hi all,

I am interested in adding amphipods to my tank as a boost to my clean up crew, however I have read elsewhere that they can attack corals, can anyone advise on the pros and cons?

Scott

 

[Tahoe61]

Hi Scott,

I would not purposely add Amphipods. There are more beneficial pod types I would rather have.
Eventually you will end up with Amphipods regardless of if you purchase them.
Great detritus eaters, but IME they can become problematic for zoanthids.

 

[Scottmac]

Hi, thanks for the reply. Do you mean they can sometimes eat zoanthid polyps?

 

[Tahoe61]

Typically Amphipods will consume dead and dying tissues. That is a very good thing.
I found some larger Amphipods did bother zoanthids and palys that were other wise healthy causing those corals to not fully open.
My fish appear to consume Copepods 24/7, my fish did not appear to eat larger Amphipods.

 

[Scottmac]

Hmm OK thanks fo the advice I think I will keep them to a minimum in that case and opt for more coral friendly CUC.

 

[Lcoblo]

My goni was being attacked by amphipods. I had to dip it to keep it alive.