Parasites?

[Tjimbsoj]

I vigorously clean my tank so it was a suprise to find tiny white worms just below and on the surface against the tank next to some algae. There was about 30 of these "worms" measuring about 5mm each.

I presume some fly must of entered the tank and layed its larvae, but who knows....

Any idea?

 

[Paul_MTS]

Here's a topic in cold water that sounds about the same-

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=50456

 

[Phantom Thief]

Planaria.

Not harmful to fish or humans, but an indication of overfeeding.



P.T.

 

[Tjimbsoj]

Interesting, well I currently have 2 African Clawed Frogs in there who are pretty messy so maybe I should cut down on their food intake...

 

[Tjimbsoj]

Would the frogs eat planaria? And although it is an indication of perhaps overfeeding, surely it may also indicate that the tank is stable and healthy to grow such small entities?

 

[Phantom Thief]

No idea. I know fish will, but don't know about ACFs

P.T.

 

[Tjimbsoj]

Doing a bit of net research, it is certainly these, Nematodes, which populate my tank. Again they are harmless to fish, similiar to planaria.

 

[Wyld-Fyre]

Like yourself, Tjimbsoj, I was 'worried' by the appearance of these worms.

I now no longer think Planarians are harmful to any of my fishes, but in fact are beneficial to the stability and well-being of my tanks.

1) They process uneaten food
2) They keep the substrate ticking over
3) Are an important, and free, food source for most of my fishes

They play an important part in the bio-diversity of your tank, so don't worry about them. However, if you are, you can always do what I had done, have a huge clear-out, but the funny thing is they eventually come back.

 

[Tjimbsoj]

I had a great feeling firstly that I created life! but then slaughtered a few in a blind panic thinking they would harm the occupants.