Help identifying this

[sbatestn]

This thing showed up in my new aquarium a couple of days ago. It is very active and has moved all over the tank.

Can anyone tell me what it is?

Thanks.

 

[camlov2]

looks like a flatworm, I would remove it (and its friends when you see them) even if it is a harmless variety they can multiple and become a pain.

 

[sbatestn]

Hmm. Okay, thanks. I'll try to watch for it to show up again, then catch it -- if I can.

thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13229120#post13229120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by camlov2
looks like a flatworm...

+1

 

[crvz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13229779#post13229779 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
+1

and 2. while there are still only a few in the tank, consider treating with flatworm exit. they can reproduce quickly and overtake systems.

 

[sbatestn]

Okay. Thanks for the help.

After reading the first reply, I did some more looking around and found one site that said this particular kind of flat worm is harmless.

http://www.melevsreef.com/id/flatworm.html

However, in that research I managed to identify another type of flat worm that may be more harmful. Before I saw this clear one, I had noticed at least 2 tiny little mold-looking things moving around on two different rocks. The shape of these little creatures is very similar to a maple leaf. I found a picture of exactly the ones in my tank. Figure A at this site:

http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=flatworm

I'm a little confuse and worried.

I gather though, that the collective recommendation is to eliminate all flat worms, right?

Thanks again.

 

[Drix]

That white flatworm is an algea eater and is ok- Look out for the red ones and others however.

 

[sbatestn]

It just so happens that these 2 guys were on the glass tonight when I got home from work, so they were easy to catch. The smaller one is what the original 2 looked like (before I spotted the clear one).

The larger one is new. I had not seen him before today. I was surprised at their texture. Both are "crusty" and star-fish like. I've attached two photos -- a top view and an underside view. The small one is about 1/8" around, while the large one is about 1/4" around. Both are very tiny.

Are they really flatworms or something else?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tarantulandy]

Those two are some sort starfish...probably asterina.

 

[sbatestn]

Hm. I was afraid of that. Hate that I killed them.

 

[micoral]

you are always better safe than sorry.... there are actually a lot of people who remove those stars. I had a buddy who had thousands in his tank... they kept the glass clean... and the rocks... I imagine they kept the fish clean at night.....