What is planaria?
Planaria are aquarium pests. They are a type of flatworm with a slimy skin that can grow up to 15 mm in length and reproduce by laying eggs. These eggs are very tough and resistant to most medications, frost, drought, and high temperatures. This allows the eggs to survive in the natural environment under extreme conditions and hatch when circumstances are right.
The planaria worm is characterized by its distinct triangular head with visible eyes. Planaria move across the glass or substrate and prefer to do so when the aquarium lights are off. During the day, they often hide in the substrate.
How did planaria get into my aquarium?
Planaria often enter the aquarium via new aquarium plants, new substrate, fish, or water from another tank. In most cases, eggs are introduced along with these new purchases and then hatch in the aquarium.
Is planaria harmful?
Planaria are true omnivores and can even prey on the eggs of other animals or attack weak ones. In addition, young shrimp or freshly molted shrimp can be grabbed by the worm when they remain in the same spot to recover.
There are reports that planaria releases a toxin to defend itself. This is said to happen mainly when animals such as shrimp come into contact with planaria. This toxin enters the aquarium water and is said to only work over a short distance, making it especially dangerous to small aquarium inhabitants. However, with a very large population of planaria, the entire water could become so toxic that sensitive animals die from it. This has never been scientifically proven.
Planaria reproduce very quickly and can lay many eggs at once. As a result, just a few worms can quickly cause a major infestation in the aquarium. It is therefore important to start treatment quickly when planaria are detected in the tank.
How can I control planaria?
The first step in controlling planaria is to feed aquarium inhabitants sparingly and use an aquarium feeding dish so that fewer food leftovers remain. This initially slows down the growth and reproduction of planaria. In addition, a planaria trap can be used to reduce the population.
There are also several products available to completely control and remove planaria from the aquarium.
Shrimps Forever Ex-it and Biomax NO-Planaria are both treatments based on an extract from the betel nut palm. Both treatments eliminate planaria within 3 days. This product also affects snails and other soft-bodied organisms. Use with caution in fish tanks, as some reports suggest fish may not always tolerate it well.
SL-aqua Z1 Aquarium Bio Protector quickly eliminates planaria and hydra from the aquarium. This product is made entirely from natural, plant-based ingredients and is completely safe for shrimp. Because of these plant-based ingredients, it also has no effect on the bacterial culture and balance in the aquarium. The treatment usually lasts only a few days but can be extended if the planaria have not been completely eliminated.
