Possible copepod in axolotl tank

[Cheetahbutter]

For the last week or so I've had what looks like copepods in my axolotls tank. Though I have recently noticed them crawling on my axolotl and they don't seem to get off of her when she swims. She has also seemed to be avoiding her cave (where I've seen most of them) so I think they are bothering her. I have tried siphoning them out and they keep coming back(I have a sand substrate which i think they hide in.) Does anyone know if they are harmful or how to get rid of them?

 

[Murk]

It's hard to see on the picture.

If these are copepods, it's unlikely they are bothering the axolotl, and could very well be beneficial to your tank (copepods eat algae and detritus).
However, what should worry you in that case is why you have such a sudden increase in copepods. Did you check your water parameters?
Did you change anything about the tank? What is your maintenance routine?

The copepods would be a harmless symptom of a possibly harmful cause (such as too much detritus or light).


If these are actually bothering the axolotl, it's unlikely they're copepods. I can't tell from the picture, but do make sure this is not some nasty parasitic critter instead.