What kind of mites are these???

[AgentK25]

I adopted 2PPs about a month ago. Recently got a blue LED viewing light, and that’s when I saw the mites floating in the water. I’ve looked through the care guide post, and am just not sure. Anybody know what these are? This is at 10x magnification.

[piratetoothgir]

I don't see a picture, could you try it again?
They could be springtails, I find those in my water sometimes, they are harmless.

[wodesorel]

Thid is going to sound bad, but do you have any unmagnified photos? I never get to look at them this close up.

There are a ton of species that live in soil and eat decaying matter or other mites, and only a few that actually cause harm to crustaceans. Generally if you find them in any sort of numbers in the water dish they are not the harmful type. Most are beneficial to have around as they act as a tiny clean up crew, preventing waste build-up and tackling decaying organics, which in turn prevents mold.

[AgentK25]

Another pic

[AgentK25]

[wodesorel]

They aren't a classic species we usually see, but they are so tiny they are probably just missed. I've had some weird ones show up in my tank before, but I don't recognise these guys personally.

Maybe something like a mould mite, or a warty grain mite?

Are you on facebook? There is a huge entomology group with I'm sure a few mite enthusiasts!

[AgentK25]

I used to be on FB, but haven’t been for a long time....

They look like ear mites with butt hair!

[AgentK25]

I don’t see any actually on my crabbies, but they’re so small I don’t think I would see them in a dark background. Everyone seems ok, no visible mites on crab joints, shells, antennas, food... Have the 2 PPs and 3 Es in separate ISO tanks. Was hoping to put them together now since my Jumbo guys will be moving into my new 150 gallon setup. Want to put the five ISO crabs together in my 65 gallon.

Have found these mites in all my tanks now. Even the Jumbos I’ve had for five years with no problems. Maybe they were always there? Haven’t put anything in the jumbo tank that was in the ISO tanks.... The PP ISO tank has the greatest number of mites in the water.

[AgentK25]

Thanks for the help wodesorel! Sometimes it’s great being a vet tech, but other times it seems like a curse because my eye is trained to look so closely when it comes to pet health.

[GotButterflies]

If it were just a little more round I'd say sarcoptic mange mite! ;P

[AgentK25]

If it were just a little more round I'd say sarcoptic mange mite! ;P

Agreed! lol! (and I've always thought demodex looks like little alligators!)

After a bit of looking online, I'm wondering if they're dust mites?? I am horrible about dusting, so that could very well be! Gonna be doing a thorough dust and vac this weekend!!

[AgentK25]

I contacted one of my state’s university entomology depts about the mites. Unfortunately their expert retired a year ago and they haven’t replaced him. However, the dept’s educated guess was mold mites based on the shape of the mite and the fine, sparse hair on the butt end of the mites. I’m a lot less stressed now. It makes sense that they are mold mites...I made the mistake of using the sand that came with my two small PPs...but didn’t use that in my 65 gallon...explains why there are so few mites in my Jumbo tank and a ton in the two small tanks. Thankfully I have all new substrate to use when I start moving crabbies to the new setups.

[GotButterflies]

Interesting!