Brown, spore-like creatures invading our pond

[Kelly Kurucz]

We are hoping to shed some light on the thousands of tiny creatures that are taking refuge in our backyard suburban pond. They mainly cling to the black pond liner, but do take off and swim a bit and land elsewhere. To the naked eye, they look round or slightly oblong, and whitish in colour. At work yesterday I was able to look at a live sample with 25x mag, and it looks like a creature inside a whiteish, slightly opaque pod, and the actual colour is more yellow/brown. It almost looks like they are sticking their legs out of the protective pod, or some sort of flagella to provide motility. Input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Kelly from Canada.

 

[carolinaguy]

okay, so this is a new one for us, but that said, there is probably a neutral interpretation of the organism. first it is always good to see other life in the water because that suggests the water is good. we find red worms in our pond especially in the spring. earthworms lay their pods in our water and the water has enough oxygen for the worms to survive. thats a good thing. seeing water skimmers is good. dragonfly nymphs are especially good. same for tadpoles.

the key is your fish behavior. if they are behaving normally, then again you are probably okay. im sure someone on this forum has seen these. the parasite critters are either microscopic or have a specific shape and size like fish lice and anchor worms. this doesnt sound like either. if it is a problematic form of marine life, then it will be good to know from other forum members.

 

[Mmathis]

We are hoping to shed some light on the thousands of tiny creatures that are taking refuge in our backyard suburban pond. They mainly cling to the black pond liner, but do take off and swim a bit and land elsewhere. To the naked eye, they look round or slightly oblong, and whitish in colour. At work yesterday I was able to look at a live sample with 25x mag, and it looks like a creature inside a whiteish, slightly opaque pod, and the actual colour is more yellow/brown. It almost looks like they are sticking their legs out of the protective pod, or some sort of flagella to provide motility. Input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Kelly from Canada.

Pictures?

 

[Somethin' Fishy]

Sounds like newts or tadpoles emerging from their sacs.

 

[Lisak1]

Oh good! A picture!

@Mmathis and @carolinaguy @Somethin' Fishy - here's a photo. Any ideas?

 

[Mmathis]

Not a clue. Sure would like to see a shot from under ther scope, though!

 

[Becky]

I've merged these two topics

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

Looks like Daphnia .....aka Water fleas

 

[Jimmy Gibson]

Looks like Daphnia .....aka Water fleas

 

[Mmathis]

I've merged these two topics

Thanks!