Damsel eating flatworms ??

[Naso180!]

So over the years I've heard many people say that Springeri as well as lemon damsels are believed to be a solution to flatworms. I've had a few Springeri in various frag tanks as well as in displays and never observed this behavior. My question is, has anyone actually seen any damsel eat a single flatworm? Or is this just like Valonia? Being a false rumor about popping it would spread it throughout the tank. Please share your experience with the aforementioned damsels or any other fish. Thanks

 

[krissiRLT]

I’ve witnessed six lines eat them, and have seen populations dwindle when a springeri was introduced, but no never seen a springeri eat one.

 

[Naso180!]

Agreed. Six line wrasses do a decent job. I've searched all over and can only find, alleged to eat flatworms. When referring to either damsel. Really my point was to see if this was yet another unsubstantiated myth. Or a fact. Thinking we need a myth busters for the reefing community. Haha

 

[exnisstech]

Not sure of the names but I have a blue yellow tail damsel , blue yellow belly damsel, and three talbots. I still had to blow the pumpkin flatworms off of my orange mushrooms. I have not had to blow any off since adding a six line.

 

[Naso180!]

Exactly my point. Three different types of damsels and no results. However the sixline wrasse is known for it . Many accounts of them eating flatworms. So why is it thought the Sapphire AKA Springeri and the lemon damsel do it? Thanks for the feedback.
?

 

[baileymetal69]

I used to see flatworm on my glass pretty frequently, once I added 3 springeri damsels I stopped seeing them. Now I’ve never seen the springers eating flatworms with my eyes but I haven’t seen a single flatworm since introducing them. I do have other fish that would flatworms too though.

 

[ackshee]

I got a Springer damsel about a week ago, because I've been dealing with a red flatworm problem as well. My damsel has already been making a dent in the flatworms. I have watched him swim up to flatworms and suck them off the glass. :cool:

 

[areefer01]

There was an article going back to 2010 I recall talking about the "real" C. springeri. Found it for reference and linked below. As to which one will eat Flatworms or may be regarded to eat them is, well, a mystery. I personally would recommend buying the damsels because one wants it over utility. That way if the one purchased doesn't fancy Flatworms you won't be disappointed but still have it for its beauty and activity.

https://reefbuilders.com/2010/08/19/chrysiptera-springer/

 

[bmercier]

I got a Springer damsel about a week ago, because I've been dealing with a red flatworm problem as well. My damsel has already been making a dent in the flatworms. I have watched him swim up to flatworms and suck them off the glass. :cool:

I picked up one as well along with a Pink-Streaked wrasse to help with my flatworm problem, but have only seen their population rise. I've had the wrasse since September and got the damsel last month so I feel like it's been long enough to notice any impact. Are you also feeding them other foods like mysis because I'm curious if I should reduce feedings in order to try and have my fish focus more on the flatworms.

 

[Naso180!]

I picked up one as well along with a Pink-Streaked wrasse to help with my flatworm problem, but have only seen their population rise. I've had the wrasse since September and got the damsel last month so I feel like it's been long enough to notice any impact. Are you also feeding them other foods like mysis because I'm curious if I should reduce feedings in order to try and have my fish focus more on the flatworms.

I've tried the reduced feeding before with the few damsels I still have in a few different tanks with now luck. I sincerely purchased a six line wrasse for one tank. The other a melanarus wrasse. They both did their assigned jobs. Red flatworms are long gone.