Tiny 1/4 inch worms seem to exist in the gravel of my aquarium. They're skinnier than a needle. Wat are they?

Question

I found these worms while I was siffening out the gravel of my aquarium. I don't see them on any other occasion other than this. What are they? And are they harmful to the fish? I've noticed these things for two weeks now, and nothing seems to be wrong with my fish.

Answer 1

If this is a freshwater tank, what you're seeing is probably the larval form of a midge. This is a small fly (like a mosquito) that lays its eggs on the surface of the water or in your filter. Some kinds get up to around 1 1/4 inches long, and they can be either white, or sometimes red (the red ones are sold as "bloodworms", a common fish food). They won't harm your fish, and the fish will probably eat them. Any that aren't eaten will metamorphose into adults and leave the tank. You might at some time have found drowned adults after they laid eggs, or you might find some as they emerge.

Here's a picture of a very magnified larvae: http://www.lakecountyohio.org/soil/images-gif/Macroinvertebrates/Midge.gif

And one of an adult: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/images/midge2.jpg - the adult will only be about 1/4 inch.

Answer 2

The teaching received by JWs is the same the world over. All talks from the platform must conform to Society teaching. All public talks must be given from a Society outline (that is so exhaustive it leaves little room for anything else). Even answers given by JWs to questions from the platform must agree with what the Society has printed. No deviation from Society teaching is tolerated. The control exercised from headquarters is so strict that anyone holding to a differing belief on any point would either have to shut up and put up, or leave the organization. This uniformity, which JWs boast about publicly, is not biblical, as even a cursory reading of the New Testament shows. Paul said there were many 'disputable matters' that should not be argued over. The Watchtower Society tolerates no dispute about anything. Christian denominations agree solidly on the foundational, important doctrines of the faith, but they respect others distinctives. Cultural differences are also absorbed in healthy Christian circles. But if any JW disagrees about anything, he dare not voice it publicly, so the real answer to your Q is, 'Yes, but only publicly.'

Answer 3

I saw something similar to these in my tank several years ago. The person at the pet store said they were an overpopulation of the biological system. You might try putting a couple in a jar or something and take them to a fish store (not Wal-Mart, but a specialty store) and ask them. OR Just syphon clean the gravel really well.

Answer 4

Yes. Once they die they will pollute your tank. Siphon the gravel down really good. If that doesn't work. Take the gravel out. Boil it let it set and put it back in. Have you been feeding any live worms to your fish? Some will get a loose and set up housing in the gravel. That might seem convenient but most fish don't respond to worms in the gravel. I suggest getting one of those worm trappers to get rid of them. Good luck.

Answer 5

If it is a salt water tank, then they are harmful to your fish.