Little White Worms In Tank, Ok Or Not Ok?

[LRPRESTO]

Hi All! Just a question. I am quite grossed out! Today when I was cleaning my fish tank (Platys) I noticed small white worms that look like pin worms and some that were dark in color and looked some what like the hair on ones arm. Are these ok in the fish tank? If not, how do I get rid of them? Also, does anyone know if they can cross over to people? Where did they come from? If anyone has answers, please let me know! Thanks!! Lisa

 

[*Fishkies*]

Are there any on your fish?
Do you feed any types of live food?
Have you added anything new to your tank? If so, what?

Does it look anything like this below?

 

[LRPRESTO]

I don't see them hanging off the fish and all but one look fine. The one that doesnt look fine has loke, white flakey stuff on her. Their fins look fine. I haven't added anything new to the tank and other than I sometimes give them frozen brine shrimp from the fish store, I can't think of anything else that may have caused this. Some of the fish are short and white like a short white thread the others look like a reddish brown real thin arm hair. (Thats the best I can describe them.) I haven't actually seen any hanging off of the fish at this point. Thanks for your help! Lisa

 

[K.J.]

Is it possible there is some leftover debris at the bottom of the tank? If so, planaria. They're brought on by overfeeding and are entirely harmless and the fish will even eat them, but usually, you would want to scrape them off..

 

[Amunet]

Yeah sounds like planaria. Harmless but annoying when infested with them... Nothing like looking into your tank to see little worms swimming around and slinking along the glass... bleh

Do a few good gravel vacs and some water changes along with cleaning the sides of the tank.
Also make sure not to overfeed. And yep, they should go away (well greatly reduce in number) after a while.

 

[LRPRESTO]

That sounds like maybe that is what is in the one tank. I may overfeed the fry a little! (there is just so many of them that I figure they will eat it, besides, they are small, they need to eat to grow right!? I guess not that much!) I will reduce the food for them, thanks. That doesnt explain the reddish brown worms that look like arm hair in my adult platy tank though. Do you think they are harmful? I think one of the fish may have one attached to him but he doesn't slow down enough to really be able to tell if that is what it is or if it is just really thin poop. It has been there since inspection last night. Also can any of these worms infect humans? Thanks!! Lisa

 

[Danno]

Keep an eye on your tank and if need be feed every other day in smaller quanities instead of once or twice everyday. I personally don't like the little buggers so I try to oust them.