A mysterious creature has been discovered in an aquarium

[cichlidgirl22]

I'm stumped, does anyone have a clue what this thing could be?

[bettaMagenta]

I'm pretty sure that's a bug larvae, has a weirdly terrestrial vibe to it, like a caterpillar or something, not really what I'd expect from an aquatic creature.

[sidthy]

I think it resembles a Sisyrid nymph, but the overall appearance is more in line with a terrestrial caterpillar, don't you agree.

[BadgersSong]

I think it resembles a caddisfly larva more closely. One thing that might confirm this - are there tiny "pinchers" visible on its rear end?

[Burgermuncher]

I think it resembles a caddisfly larva more closely. One thing that might confirm this - are there tiny "pinchers" visible on its rear end?

I agree, it's similar. I initially thought all caddisfly larvae armored themselves with bits of wood or rock, but it seems not all species do that, from what I've found online.

[BadgersSong]

I think it resembles a caddisfly larva more closely. One thing that might confirm this - are there tiny "pinchers" visible on its rear end?

I agree, it's similar. I initially thought all caddisfly larvae armored themselves with bits of wood or rock, but it seems not all species do that, from what I've found online.

I was thinking maybe it's a caddis that hasn't developed its armor yet, or maybe it's just lost it. The way it's interacting with the sand, almost like it's trying to bury itself, that's what made me wonder about the armor.