tiny creatures

Question
Stephanie....I have a 20 gallon freshwater tank with a Tetraodon cochinchinensis (Target or Fangs Puffer) a pleco and a ruby shark. On a piece of driftwood in my tank I noticed little creatures that are about the size of a pencil tip and are the color of sand. At first I thought they were small snails, but as I looked harder I could tell that they were moving to fast to be snails. When I looked harder I could see them moving over the rocks in my tank as well. I noticed that they were only hanging out where algae grows on the rocks. I usually feed the Puffer shrimp and freeze dried krill, but occasionally feed him a live goldfish from the local fish shop. I'm sure that these creatures came from there and wonder if you might know what they are and if they are harmful to my tank. And if they are how to get rid of them. I appreciate any information you can give me. Thanks. Pete

Answer
Hello,

These might be parasites. Just in case, I recommend you treat your tank with Coppersafe or another parasite-removal product. Coppersafe is a very good product because it will protect your tank from parasites for up to a month after treatment. Make sure that none of these little bugs are on your fish.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Stephanie