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Little worms… are they planaria, rhabdocoela worms, or something else?

4.3K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  Rose of sharon  
#1 ·
I’ve noticed a lot of pests in my tank since I set it up a month ago, and one of the pests are these little white worms On my aquarium glass. I’m really curious as to what they are, and if they are harmful. The two most common worms I’ve heard about that fit the description of the ones in my tank are either planaria or rhabdocoela worms. Unlike planaria, the worms in my tank don’t seem to have a triangular head, and they are very very small, so I’m thinking that they are rhabdocoela worms. i want to find out what they are sooner rather than later, because I’m thinking about getting one or two Nerite snails for my tank, and I want to make sure these little worms cant harm them Or my betta. I’ve actually noticed my betta eating a few of these, and it actually seems Like he looks for them specifically to eat. But even though he Occasionally eats them, there are still quite of few of them, so I want to figure out what they are so I can safely remove them without any chemicals. If anyone knows what these worms are, or how to remove Them, it would be very helpful to me! I’ll put some pictures of them below.
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#2 ·
Hi,

Those look like detritus worms, and they are completely harmless. My bettas would hunt them down and eat them, too. Just another protein source! Once the tank gets really good an established, you won't see them very much. After a really good clean/vacuuming of the substrate, and with the betta hunting them, things should even out.

Hope this helps! :)