Intruder: worms?

[J. Fisher]

I have recently noticed a worm population in two of my three tanks. They are about 1/8" to 1/4" long and flat with a short line running lateral down their back. it seems they come out to feed on the blood worms that I feed my fish. I have never seen these before, does anyone know what these could be?

 

[kaz]

I did a water change in my 20g and my girlfriend said all that stuff I was sucking up that I thought it was dudu, that they were worms. if so where did they come from and are they parasite or any bad thing can happen to my fish?

 

[toddnbecka]

Planaria and nematodes are commonly found in aquariums. They generally feed on leftover food, and/or micro-critters. They are harmless, usually hitchike on plants, snails, etc.

 

[kaz]

how do they develope?

 

[toddnbecka]

usually hitchike on plants, snails, etc.

They come along w/something else.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I agree with toddnbecka. They come in as microscopic particles on your fish and other livestock. With a tank with heavy nutrients they will grow and thrive. In a clean tank they will not thrive/die.

Clean your gravel more often and feed less and they will go away.