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They sound like a parasitic worm. Your batch of brine shrimp may have been contaminated. Did you buy them from a reputable dealer? I would suggest you feed your oscar with fish flakes.
Do you notice any legs? The first thing that came to mind given the color and size were damselfly larvae. These are aquatic insects related to dragonflies that lay their eggs in water, and the larval stages live int he water. There are 3 gill plates (“tails”) on the rear, but you might not notice these if they’re folded for swimming.
I’ve had these come in as eggs or small larvae on plants, and it’s possible that an adult may have found your tank and laid eggs. They aren’t parasites, but will be predators on anything small enough to eat (and they have a large mouth for their size).
If actually “wormy” (without legs), they might be midge larvae, but these are typically light brown-white or red (the red form is what’s sold as bloodworms).
The good news is that if they’re large enough to see, they probably not parasites.
If none of these seem to be what you’re seeing, would it be possible to post a clear photo of these? Email me if you’re not sure how to post a photo or have any questions.
you dont give enough description. go and look under fish lice. it could be there larvae
ah… child hood….
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They sound like a parasitic worm. Your batch of brine shrimp may have been contaminated. Did you buy them from a reputable dealer? I would suggest you feed your oscar with fish flakes.
ah… child hood….
Report Spam/Abuse
Do you notice any legs? The first thing that came to mind given the color and size were damselfly larvae. These are aquatic insects related to dragonflies that lay their eggs in water, and the larval stages live int he water. There are 3 gill plates (“tails”) on the rear, but you might not notice these if they’re folded for swimming.
photo of a lavrae with the gills showing: http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/inwood/images/damselfly.jpg
One with the gills folded: http://bugguide.net/images/cache/2K0KNKQKVKPQF01QJ09QLS1QZSIKAKGK307KCKGK307KRS6QUK4KTKWQHS5K1KIKPKMKLS4KZSWQV06QD00KPKRK.jpg
And an adult: http://www.lakecountyohio.org/soil/Pictures-jpg/Macroinvertebrates/Damselfly%20adult.jpg
I’ve had these come in as eggs or small larvae on plants, and it’s possible that an adult may have found your tank and laid eggs. They aren’t parasites, but will be predators on anything small enough to eat (and they have a large mouth for their size).
If actually “wormy” (without legs), they might be midge larvae, but these are typically light brown-white or red (the red form is what’s sold as bloodworms).
A number of actual worms are possible too: http://aquarium-answers.blogspot.com/2007/03/trematodes-and-nematodes-in-fish.html
The good news is that if they’re large enough to see, they probably not parasites.
If none of these seem to be what you’re seeing, would it be possible to post a clear photo of these? Email me if you’re not sure how to post a photo or have any questions.
ah… child hood….
Report Spam/Abuse