freshwater amphipods

[Quinn]

i have been thinking about the critters in my natural pond recently, in relation to the fauna in marine aquaria, and thought i'd drop an email off to the wet web media crew. for anyone who might be interested, here's the response i got.

Re: Copepods/Amphipods in FW Pond 5/24/03
Hi folks,
<howdy>
Quick question for you. Being the inquisitive yet uneducated fellow
I am, I am wondering if the copepod/amphipod-like creatures I am
seeing in my pond are the same species as is seen in marine tanks.
<quite possibly related in the big picture. Not the same though.
Do a 'net search for "Gammurus" or "Scuds" in
freshwater/ponds and you will find pics of creatures that look like
marine amphipods>
I should really supply a photo, but regardless, they appear to be
identical and I am wondering just how closely related the two are.
Thanks, Quinn
<equally nutritious! Net them and feed them to some fishes... any
fishes! <G> Best regards, Anthony>

these little critters live in every freshwater pond i've ever stumbled upon, i think the more aeration the better. i notice they congregate under pieces of wood, etc. i'm going to go see what else i can find out about them tonight.