Worm in new aquarium

[xerxys]

Hey there. We're new aquarists, and we set up our tank about a month ago. Everything is going (more or less) fine, but then I discovered this little guy in the sand today. We definitely didn't introduce him intentionally, and was wondering if anyone could get me a positive ID on what it is, whether there's likely to be more, if they're friendly/good for the tank, or if I should be burning my tank and burying it in salted ground? (that last one was a joke, btw... unless you recommend it).

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Many thanks!

 

[BBradbury]

Planaria

Hey there. We're new aquarists, and we set up our tank about a month ago. Everything is going (more or less) fine, but then I discovered this little guy in the sand today. We definitely didn't introduce him intentionally, and was wondering if anyone could get me a positive ID on what it is, whether there's likely to be more, if they're friendly/good for the tank, or if I should be burning my tank and burying it in salted ground? (that last one was a joke, btw... unless you recommend it).

[/URL][/IMG]
Many thanks!

Hello xerx...

It's likely a planaria worm. Most fish will eat them. They're typically in tanks that get too much food or not enough water changes. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just reduce the amount of food you feed your fish and keep the tank water a bit cleaner. Add a bit larger water change every week or two.

B

 

[dalto]

How big is it?

 

[Fresh2o]

The worm looks tubular/cylinder like rather than flat (as in flatworm/planaria). My guess is it is some type of insect larvae.


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