WORMS - help identify
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 4:30 pm
Hi everyone. Need help identifying a worm and determining if it's a problem.
Background: I'm a new Fahaka puffer owner, and started a separate 10gal tank just for snails (mostly ramshorn and some mystery snails). I was looking at the snails with a portable microscope (yes, I'm a nerd) and noticed something moving on the glass. On closer inspection it was a worm!!!! Creeped me out. I've spent all day trying to identify it.
Worm in question: It's white almost invisible to the naked eye - about 1mm in length. What type of worm is this? Roundworm Nematode? Planaria? My main concern is whether this is an intestinal parasite or something that just exists in the tank? Photo should be attached (taken with microscope - mega zoomed in).
Theoretical: Also, if puffers are wild caught and eat snails, it seems like it would be nearly impossible to keep them worm free. Do they just live with worms? I don't like the idea of that, so I would like to farm my own "clean" snails.
The plan thus far: My current plan is to treat my snail tank and the puffer tank with Levamisole HCL so it won't kill the snails (as opposed to Fenbendazol), or is this something I should even be worrying about? If they just live in the tank, should I put some little, cheap fish in the snail tank to eat them?
BTW, Fahaka looks totally healthy and has a wonderful appetitie.
Thank you so much for your feedback and help.
Background: I'm a new Fahaka puffer owner, and started a separate 10gal tank just for snails (mostly ramshorn and some mystery snails). I was looking at the snails with a portable microscope (yes, I'm a nerd) and noticed something moving on the glass. On closer inspection it was a worm!!!! Creeped me out. I've spent all day trying to identify it.
Worm in question: It's white almost invisible to the naked eye - about 1mm in length. What type of worm is this? Roundworm Nematode? Planaria? My main concern is whether this is an intestinal parasite or something that just exists in the tank? Photo should be attached (taken with microscope - mega zoomed in).
Theoretical: Also, if puffers are wild caught and eat snails, it seems like it would be nearly impossible to keep them worm free. Do they just live with worms? I don't like the idea of that, so I would like to farm my own "clean" snails.
The plan thus far: My current plan is to treat my snail tank and the puffer tank with Levamisole HCL so it won't kill the snails (as opposed to Fenbendazol), or is this something I should even be worrying about? If they just live in the tank, should I put some little, cheap fish in the snail tank to eat them?
BTW, Fahaka looks totally healthy and has a wonderful appetitie.
Thank you so much for your feedback and help.
Very likely harmless (along with the other nasties you can't see in your water)