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Question
i have found 4 hairy looking wormlike creatures in my tank at the water level on my baby fish net no others have been found yet except for the clear kind, what are these and how do i kill them?
Hi Kirk,
Are the worms just present in the tank, and not on the fish themselves?
If the worms are not attaching to the fish, nor affecting the fish, they do not require a treatment. The worms are most likely caused by poor water quality, and an abundance of food and nutrition (overfeeding). Perform 10% daily water changes, and vacuum the gravel using a gravel siphon (available at your local fish store, if you do not have one already). This will reduce the waste and nutrients in the tank, and will effectively 'starve' the worms. The problem should go away in 1-2 weeks if you do the rigorous water changes.
If you see more worms, and they are large enough, you can manually remove them with a net.
If I misunderstood your question, and the worms are ON the baby fish/fish themselves, they can be treated with an anti-parasitical medication, such as Mardel CopperSafe, Jungle Parasite Clear, Sera Costapur, or another type of parasite treatment available at your local fish store. Perform a 40% water change first if using meds.
Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!
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Answers by Expert:
Nathan
Expertise
I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience
I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
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