Unidentified Organism - Tapeworm?

[Smalleyboy]

I have a fairly heavily planted 300 litre tank and have just spotted something very unusual in there. There is some sort of living organism which was about 15mm long, an orange/red colour, long thin and ribbon like, no discernable head, tail or fin. The closest thing I have ever seen like it is a tapeworm found in dogs.

It was wriggling/swimming about and was surrounded by fish who were all trying to eat it but because of the way it moved around so much and also the fish are all small they couldn't get it. The mystery creature took cover in the plants and can no longer be seen. It isn't a fish but I have no idea what it is.

Fish in the tank include german rams, glow-light danios, neons, rummy nosed tetras, red tailed shark, ottos, a florida flagfish and some shrimp.

Does anyone know what it might be, are there likely to be more and does it pose a threat to the fish?

 

[Andrew Tan]

Have you put any new plants in recently? I had a small leech hitch hike in on some plants I bought. Since then I meticulously clean all my plants before they go in the tank. Sounds like it may be similar.

 

[StrontiumDog]

try looking here http/www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html...uk.org.uk/pond/

go to worm maybe you may find some info

 

[superjalami30]

I had a parasitic worm problem awhile ago in some of my fish.
Whether or not it was introduced to the tank via a plant or came in with a fish I'm not sure.
Either way, this red worm(s) ended up IN some of my fish's intestinal track and eventually could be seen (many of them at that point) protruding from several of my fish's anus's.
This worm killed two of the fish that were infected.
I treated the tank with "Prazipro" and I haven't seen this worm since.

I have no idea what type of parasite it was.

Watch your fish.

Just thought I'd share my experience with a red like worm I had.

And yes, they were about 15-20 mm long.

 

[Smalleyboy]

Thanks for the replies.

Tank set up about 6 weeks ago so my 'visitor' could have arrived with the plants. From what you have all said and what I've seen, I'm guessing it is either a leech or some sort of worm. I shall keep am eye on my fish closely for a while to see if they are carrying anything.