Critter ID help

[Kabong]

Now im used to seeing micro critters cruseing the glass and such. But in my QT where im treating a fish for dropsy (yes i know in generaly uncurable).
On the glass is this white worm about 1/2 inch long, Not that thats huge but bigger then any other hitch hiker ive seen, After a close look i see that the glass is covered in tiny baby ones. They must have come in with the filter media i used from the main tank to kick the cycle in. The QT is bare bottom so there no gravel for anything to hide in and you cant see any in the main tank. But i presume they must be there unless the one was actually in/on the sick fish.
Anyone have any info or ideas even?

 

[PumaWard]

Sounds actually like Hydra. They are harmless to adult fish, tiny fry are the only ones at risk... however, they can indicate poor water quality, so more waterchanges are probably in order.

Also, if you are treating the fish for dropsy, avoid feeding anything. Chances are the fish won't eat and you'll be culture small organisms like these guys.


HTH

 

[mooman]

I thought hydra look like this. Attached to the glass at the base with tentackles coming from the other end?

\ I /
\I/
I I
I I

It sounds more like a planaria. Moving along the glass like a snail that had its shell ripped off and body stretched out. Head is slightly wider than body.

From what I've heard planaria are harmless, and only thrive in tanks with excess detritus (most of us probably have some in out filters and don't even know it).

I'm surprised that fish don't gobble them up. Anyone know of a fish that eats them? I wouldn't worry unless you start seeing more of them in your main tank.