Hyalella azteca in my tree frog pond...

[Maricela]

I found some Hyalella azteca in my tree frog pond, anyone know if they're good or bad to have in there? I've read that finding them in the water indicates good water. I'm wondering what they do to the ecosystem, good or bad?

[JeffreH]

You can sort of think of H. azteca having a similar role in your pond as springtails in the substrate of a terrarium. They won't do any harm, only consume detritus, algae, diatoms, etc. They are not toxic for your pets to consume, just normal decomposer fauna in aquatic environments. They are cosmopolitan, important nutrient cyclers and food sources for primary consumers: small invertebrates, fish, birds, etc in nature.