View Full Version : small white worms
radiation88
10-09-2003, 12:21 PM
My 10-gal tank is heavily planted and has 3 ottos and 3 amano shrimp. Lately, I've noticed tiny, white worms just sort of wiggling in the water. I've never seen this before. They are about a centimeter long. Does anyone know the name of these or how to get rid of them-if necessary? I'm thinking about just throwing some fish in there temporarily to eat them.
Thanks,
Tiffany
OrionGirl
10-09-2003, 1:18 PM
There are many nematodes that will inhabit fish tanks--but they are usually only visible when there are excess nutrients in the water column, the result of over feeding. If you are not feeding the otos or shrimp, I'm not sure what would cause them to become abundant.
Many fish will eat them--a paradise fish would likely enjoy them, and not pose a threat to your other occupants or the plants.
I have them in one of my tanks too. They don't seem to hurt anything. I first noticed them about 6 weeks ago.
SnakeIce
10-09-2003, 6:40 PM
fry and a bit larger fish love them if they pop up in a tank I am trying to raise fry in I get more surviving fry... at least in those species that tend to activly hunt food
I have these as well. I was told that they were some sort of planeria (sp?). They're harmless and your fish will eat them. Larger numbers of them suggest you may have an excess of protein in the water. In my case, I had slacked on the water changes leading to a population explosion of the little buggers. I do not have fish that eat them so instead I vacuumed really well in the tank. Problem solved.