UK Leaches - Friend or Foe?

russell · Oct 15, 2007

I recently floated 10 Water hyacinth bulbs in my large 4 foot tank in the kitchen, all the roots were covered in fresh water shrimp and various other pond life, such as snails, daphnia, water boatmen much to my axys liking. (my mountain minnows gorges themselves too) The worrying thing is, there were a few (6 or 7) leaches in with the mix.

Are the leaches bad news for my tank, they seam to steer well clear of the axys in there do you thing they may like a warmer blooded prey?

Thanks in advance

Russ

philbaker76 · Oct 15, 2007

Hi Russ, not sure - I guess it depends on the type of leech. I have had several what I think are "flatworms" in some of my tubs in the past. And they've not caused any problems.

http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk/leeches.html

russell · Oct 15, 2007

They are definately leeches!!

philbaker76 · Oct 15, 2007

Personally, I'd take them out mate - just in case, if they feed on fish and frogs - they're bound to want a pop at your Axolotls.

russell · Oct 15, 2007

that maybe easier said than done!
However after researching the beasts i may set up another tank and try to keep medicinal one as they are fascinating creatures.

freddy73 · Oct 15, 2007

Hi, I did the same as you and put some floating plants in the tank, I found a few leeches but I removed them with a turkey baster as they give me the creeps. Plus I was bothered that they would latch on to one of my axies.

russell · Oct 15, 2007

I dont think the biggest leech in there would fit through the end of the baster - its bloomin huge!

rigsby · Oct 15, 2007

depends on the type of leech ,some feed 0n small water life which is swallowed whole, some only feed on snails, one on water birds, the fish leech will feed off your axies and the very rare medicinal leech off you if you let it but maily horses and cattle . May be best to try and get them out.

freddy73 · Oct 15, 2007

Thank goodness mine were only small ones I would have a complete girly moment if I came face to face with a huge leech. (Had to type that a few different ways so it wasn't an ooer missus statement) lol.

TristanH · Oct 15, 2007

Russell, can you get a pic of the leech(es)? Preferably with some idea of scale. Then I should be able to identify them. There are only 9 or 10 species in Britain, and ID isn't very difficult.

If you are interested the Freshwater Biological Association (www.fba.org.uk) does a very good key.

Tristan

Jennewt · Oct 15, 2007

I'm not sure why you are waiting and asking.... just get them out of the tank! (And then keep them as pets, if you like.) If they are that large, it shouldn't be difficult to pull them out by hand. If you are afraid they will bite you, use a spoon to shove them into a small cup or container. It's possible that they are harmless, but why take the chance?

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UK Leaches - Friend or Foe?

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