White worms?

[Katerose91]

Hiya.
Just today I have noticed on the back glass of my tank something that looks like minuscule white worm things moving. I really have to concentrate and stare hard to see if they're moving and at first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me but they're definitely not. I fear this may be yet ANOTHER burden I have bought into my tank with my new plants I bought about 2 months ago now. Can anyone help me please? To identify what this could be, if it is harmful/harmless, how to get rid...etc etc. !! My fish in my tank is a dalmatian molly, a male betta, and a black and orange platy. TIA.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Any chance of a picture?

I really do see some problems here...

Male betta fish aren’t community fish and shouldn’t be kept as such. Especially with mollies/platties. These fish especially shouldn’t be kept with bettas, as the betta could confuse the livebearers bright tail, with another betta. This could lead to aggression and sometimes death.

 

[Katerose91]

I was told by the aquarium that a single male could live communally if the tank was big enough but to look out for aggression and I would take him out if that had happened. They also said do not buy bright fish that will resemble another betta as that encourages fighting. The molly and platy were already habitating and the betta came months after them and they seem to get along perfectly fine. They are both mostly black too. If there was an issue I obviously wouldn't keep them together because I wouldn't let there be aggression in the tank. I am very passionate about any animal - I cried my eyes out a few weeks back when my 1 shrimp died

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Ok, as long as there is so aggression...

@Colin_T, could this be roundworms?

Flat appearances are planaria (flatworms) and the more thin and wiggly ones are nematodes (roundworms).

 

[Katerose91]

I would never let that happen

They're tiny, super thin and when they move they can be pretty fast.. worried about planaria but looking at google they seem to be pretty big, whereas these you couldn't really notice unless your face is right next to the tank. Will do a glass clean today.

 

[Katerose91]

pic quality isn't the best but just caught sight of this big one that might help identify them!

 

[Irksome]

I had something similar when setting up my tank, I “taught” the fish how to find them by gently tapping the glass and then didn’t feed them for a few days. I think the fish ate every last one, I haven’t seen them since. Mine were bought on by excess food in the substrate.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Oh... I see it now.

I had a simple problem with my 2.5g when I had it setup.

As @Irksome said, it is usually caused by excess feeding. Try to cut down your feeding and see if things improve.

This kind of “worm” is not dangerous to your tank. They spend most of their time in the substrate.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Also vaccum your gravel really throughly, that should help

 

[Katerose91]

Thank you everyone.
You're always so amazing and helpful

 

[angelcraze]

They are not planaria, so no worries. They are known as detritus worms and not harmful, just FYI

 

[Retired Viking]

After you have given you gravel a good vacuuming, try and cut back on the amount you are feeding your fish. The white detritus worms are there because of the excuse fish food that was left uneaten. The worms will not hurt your fish in fact they may even eat the worms.