So, I just got some cherry shrimp for my empty 20-gallon tank (only my mystery snail is occupying it), and it came with some free Java moss, so I tossed that in. Not long after, I spotted these worms wiggling around. What are they? Are they harmful? Do I need to remove them, and if I do, then how do I remove them?
Posted by SillySubstance24
6 Comments
[video #2](https://screenapp.io/app/v/etmLK9-IlM)
Camallanus worm. Parasitic species that attaches to and feeds from the gut lining of various aquatic species. Remove and quarantine your fish immediately
Did you get any still photos, ideally closer up? First video looks like a red worm, which are usually perfectly fine in the tank as they are detritus eaters. The second one looks like a leech, which you don’t want as they could munch on shrimp.
Two other possibilities to check for, both bad for the tank: planaria or callamanus worms.
Right she wears that Titty Sling so immature it looks terrible
Neither of these appear to be leeches.
I suspect the first one is a planaria who may have had a red shrimp as a snack.
The second one- the video is too short but looks more like a Rhabdocolea.
Small update:I contacted my lfs and they said its a flatworm after sending over both videos. Not sure if I believe that but I wont be adding anything new to the tank for two weeks just for observation