Small red worms found in filter sponge

[KimA]

Hi,

Looking for some advice for a friend who's found some small (about 1cm long) red worms swimming about in the filter of her tank. She's only been feeding the fish flakes and the odd brine shrimp (no bloodworm).

Spoke to lfs who said there's a chance that these have come in with the water that's been added to the tank (from the tap!).

Any ideas/opinions please?

Thanks
KimA

 

[dwarfgourami]

Looking for some advice for a friend who's found some small (about 1cm long) red worms swimming about in the filter of her tank. Spoke to lfs who said there's a chance that these have come in with the water that's been added to the tank (from the tap!).

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That sounds a VERY unlikely explanation. Honestly, how often do we find little red worms in our drinking water?
If I were her I would inspect the fish carefully; any sign of anything hanging out of their bottoms? Sounds like it could be some sort of camellanus worm, or other parasite. I'm too incompetent to post links, but a quick google should bring them up.

You can see why the lfs had rather it had been the tap water; if it is parasites, then they must have come in with the fish.

 

[KimA]

That sounds a VERY unlikely explanation. Honestly, how often do we find little red worms in our drinking water?

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Did kind of think that (put me off my cup of tea this morning though, lol).

Thanks for the advice - will call her later and get her to check out the fish.

KimA

 

[black angel]

Could be midges laying eggs and those are bloodworms. Planaria come in all shapes and sizes as well.

 

[mr.dark-saint]

I'd think it was a round worm (like tubifex) that might have hitched a ride from a LFS from an odd gravel or two or with the residents.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Could be midges laying eggs and those are bloodworms. Planaria come in all shapes and sizes as well.

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That sounds more likely than parasites. And we can still enjoy that cup of tea.

 

[KimA]

Thanks everyone, you've been a great help

 

[xamdarb]

i no about a year ago we had small red worms in our drinking water there was a ban on it though so i might just be that