Illness/Sickness: Worm infestation

[danielglennon]

Hi, I am hoping a more experienced axolotl keeper might be able to offer some advice. I have had two axolotls for a few months and all has been going well. I have noticed their tank has become infested with very small green worms and this has conincided with a loss of appetite. The worms are approx. 3 to 5 millimetres in length and often simply drift through the water so they could be mistaken for algae, but sometimes do swim in a similar manner to midge larvae. My main concern is that they do settle on the skin of my axolotls so I am worried they are parasitic. I do feed live earthworms which is their favourite food, and I know these can carry nematodes.

Can anyone help me identify these worms and whether these are a matter of genuine concern? Also, any ideas on how to get rid of them?

Many thanks!

 

[wandering]

Hydra viridis are about that size. Not worms but might look a bit wormy. Had them in my fish tanks when overfeeding. Mostly they stick to the glass and leaves and wave their tentacles. They sting and grab their tiny prey (new fry, daphnia, etc) the green is chlorophyll so they can use light energy too. Gouramis eat them. Don't know if axies can.

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[wandering]

Or maybe they are nematodes after all.

http://www.petfish.net/articles/Aquarium_Basics/bug-worm.php

Doesn't mean they are the parasitic type though!

A creative thought - move the axies out and move some hungry fish in for a week or so?



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[NeekaLovesYou]

They sound like nemotodes and although some species are harmless I'm slightly concerned that they're "clinging" to your axolotls. I'd suggest removing your axies from the tank for now; keeping them in clean, cool containers. This way you can watch the 'worms' behavior, breeding and try and find some more information and an accurate identification of what they are. A lot of tank invaders introduce themselves when there's food waste in the tank.

There is some useful information and links here: Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Invaders: Algae, Snails, Worms and Other Critters

 

[danielglennon]

Hi there

Thanks for the responses. These are definitely not hydras, although the colour is right.

Does anyone have experience of dealing with nematodes. Is there a chemical solution to getting rid of them?

Thanks!

 

[wandering]

Are they anchor worms? Just googled it. They can be green. They can't complete their life cycle below 15 degrees and die below 5 degrees.

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[NeekaLovesYou]

I once had nemotodes in one of my quarantine tanks, obviously it was used for nursing axolotls, temporary housing, etc. The waste can build up without you even realizing. Most tank invaders only become apparent when their numbers boom. It becomes a cycle; there will be hundreds, then they subside, hundreds....the cycle continues.
They are difficult to get rid of entirely but obviously if you see one, remove it from the tank. Cutting back on feeding and siphoning afterwards will help reduce food waste.