Cyclops spp.

Identification

• Usually white or colorless but can be pink, blue, or green
• Pear-shaped
• Have two pairs of antennae on head
• Macroscopically appear to be small, white, motile organism

Why Do I have It?

• Found in clean water (ponds and final polishing lagoons)

Treatment

No treatment is necessary, however if you are concerned about your plant conditions contact a technical rep for information and recommendations.

Under the Microscope and in Your Plant

Cyclops spp. are white/colorless crustaceans that are related to Daphnia. They prefer clean water, such as in ponds and polishing lagoons. These pear-shaped crustaceans can reach up to 2 millimeters in length and are able to tolerate low dissolved oxygen conditions. They can be identified by the two pairs of antennae they have on their head. These antennae are sensory organs and the first set is used for movement. Their forked tail aids in feeding and helps to create their jerky movements. Cyclops spp., as the name suggests, only have one eye. This eye is always red and it can distinguish light from dark. They also have five legs attached to their thorax. Females can be easily identified because of the attached egg sacs. Inside these sacs are five to 40 eggs. As soon as the egg sac is emptied, it is immediately refilled with new eggs.

As Cyclops spp. rarely cause issues directly and are almost never seen in large amounts in wastewater plants, there is less information available about them in wastewater settings.