flat worms

[fish48]

unto recently I didn't know there was land species of flat worm this is the third one i found in my fish room this year as you can see a lot larger than the aquarium type.

 

[CassCats]

Aren't they cool? I occasionally find them flipping logs, they're a fascinating animal. Even aquatic are pretty cool in their own right as well.

 

[fishorama]

Huh, I didn't know that either. Still cool critters!

 

[Colin_T]

Looks like a leech. Stick your finger near it and see if it bites you. If it does it's a leech.

 

[MaloK]

If it's a leech, don't let that go in you tank...

 

[fish48]

It's Kontikia ventrolineata An Australian flatworm
They are fascinating creatures I cut the worm in half It's gone it's separate ways.

​

 

[Colin_T]

still looks like a leech.

I went into the King River in Albany some years back and came out covered in leeches. Awful things.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I occasionally find them flipping logs...

They're stronger than they look!

 

[CassCats]

They're stronger than they look!

LOL that'd surely be a sight.

But think of this. If they break apart they just form new ones. Their regeneration powers combined with super strength? They'd be pretty crazy

 

[Donya]

till looks like a leech.

I was going to say the same at first, but I'm not seeing the tail sucker I would expect for the ones that look similar to that. So that does say weird flatworm.

Where in the room was it found? Or was it directly on/near a HOB filter or something similar where it can get perpetual moisture without being submerged? There are pretty large, invasive terrestrial flatworms where I live (the hammerhead ones) but they require pretty wet conditions without going fully underwater. If I found one anywhere in my house, even near an aquarium, I'd be looking for plumbing leaks!

 

[Essjay]

I know there are groups concerned about invasive flat worms in the UK. A quick search discovered there are around 14 species of flatworm in the UK of which only 4 are native.
This site has an ID guide to them

PotWatch Survey

PotWatch, is a campaign to highlight the role the importation of pot plants plays in establishing invasive species in the UK. In the first stage of this campaign we are asking you to record countries of origin of plants you purchase at your local garden centre.

www.buglife.org.uk

 

[fish48]

I've only seen the worms climbing on the walls in my fish room I have not found any of them in my fish tanks.

 

[fish48]

After being cut n half only two days ago. The one above is the piece with its head.