- Triops nauplii: These are the newly hatched larvae of triops. They are small, transparent, and swim freely in the water. As they grow, they will molt and develop into larger triops.
- Water fleas (Daphnia): Water fleas are small, crustaceans that are often found in freshwater aquariums. They are similar to triops nauplii in appearance and size, but they have a long, tail-like appendage that triops nauplii do not have. Water fleas are harmless to triops and can provide a source of food for them.
- Cypris larvae: These are the larvae of ostracods, which are small, crustaceans related to triops. Cypris larvae look similar to triops nauplii but have a more angular body shape. They can either live freely in the water or adhere themselves to objects in the tank. Cypris larvae are harmless to triops but may compete for food.
If you are unsure which of these organisms is in your tank, you can take a close look at them under a microscope. This will allow you to see their detailed features and identify them accurately.