Ghost Flatworm or something bad?

[Huff747]

They're in my coral/invert QT. Can they come in on CUC members? I haven't added any new corals in a while and last coral addition was Bayer dipped but I got some new snails in earlier this week. I acclimated and rinsed the new snails with tank water but not sure if that washes these guys off.

 

[XNavyDiver]

I posted the exact thing just a few weeks ago. Consensus was harmless ghost worms.

 

[Huff747]

I posted the exact thing just a few weeks ago. Consensus was harmless ghost worms.

Thanks. That's kind of what I thought but I've only had a tank up for a few months so pretty much everything I'm seeing, I'm seeing for the first time.

 

[Big G]

Some snails, like Nerites, store water inside their shells. Possible eggs of Ghost Flatworms could be in that water.

 

[Huff747]

Some snails, like Nerites, store water inside their shells. Possible eggs of Ghost Flatworms could be in that water.

Thanks. I did in fact add Nerites but they were in the prior batch (still in QT) added back on 11/22. So it could be that the flatworms are just now numerous and large enough for me to notice they were something other than pods.

On a side note I failed to read that Nerites like to wander so I've found them outside the tank a few times even with a lid. So far they've all lived when I put them back in the tank.

The latest batch of CUC added was some Trochus, Nassarius, Cerith, and 3 scarlet hermits that came in on Tuesday.

 

[Big G]

On a side note I failed to read that Nerites like to wander so I've found them outside the tank a few times even with a lid. So far they've all lived when I put them back in the tank.

Yep! That's due to their portable water supply.

 

[Huff747]

Yep! That's due to their portable water supply.

Is there any info of how long they can make it? Most of them we found right by the tank. One was probably MIA for at least 12 hours and was inside a cabinet several feet from the tank.

 

[Big G]

Is there any info of how long they can make it? Most of them we found right by the tank. One was probably MIA for at least 12 hours and was inside a cabinet several feet from the tank.

Don't know how long they can last out of water. But most nerites are tidal creatures. So I imagine they can last at least low to high tide out of water, depending on the weather conditions.

 

[Huff747]

Found another creature today. Is this a Stomatella?

 

[KJ]

Found another creature today. Is this a Stomatella?

Yes.

 

[Huff747]

Yes.

Thanks. Wonder when and what he came in on or with. Apparently my protocol is less than stellar if I’ve got flatworms and this guy. Most recent coral was 3 weeks ago and was removed from the plug, dipped and glued on a new plug. Could this guy have come in with my CUC members earlier this week?

 

[Rakie]

I got a Leopard which made quick work of them. They were mildly unsightly but mostly they made everyone think it was AEFW and fear my tank. So I got rid of them.

 

[Huff747]

I got a Leopard which made quick work of them. They were mildly unsightly but mostly they made everyone think it was AEFW and fear my tank. So I got rid of them.

Thanks. This is in my fishless coral and invert QT so not sure what my plan will be. I have time before the current residents are ready to move over to figure something out but am open to suggestions. I’d like to get some of the pods from my QT to the display but not so much with the flatworms.

 

[Soflow Rubio's Corals]

I would put a wrasse (melanarus) at least in that coral QT. I am one to fight pest natural with predators.

 

[trietnguyen000]

I can see some on my glass too. There are quite a bit in the overflow. They spook the hell out of me as I have some sps frags.

My frags haven’t had much polyp extension lately but I see no visual damage on the coral body. Colors are still there. I recently upgraded lighting from AI to Radion g5. My flow has been messed up since I knocked the return pump tube while cleaning and a silly Hyggin mini is too weak. I have two MP10 on the way.

As far as these flatworms go…I shouldn’t be worry right?

 

[A Young Reefer]

I can see some on my glass too. There are quite a bit in the overflow. They spook the hell out of me as I have some sps frags.

My frags haven’t had much polyp extension lately but I see no visual damage on the coral body. Colors are still there. I recently upgraded lighting from AI to Radion g5. My flow has been messed up since I knocked the return pump tube while cleaning and a silly Hyggin mini is too weak. I have two MP10 on the way.

As far as these flatworms go…I shouldn’t be worry right?

They will just consume copepods nothing to worry about.
For more info on flatworm Id and methods of treatment read here:

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks by @A Young reefer The purpose of this thread is to hopefully assist hobbyists in obtaining the correct id and method of treatment to common hitchhikers. Both; the good ones and the bad ones. 1)...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[OrchidMiss]

They will just consume copepods nothing to worry about.
For more info on flatworm Id and methods of treatment read here:

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks by @A Young reefer The purpose of this thread is to hopefully assist hobbyists in obtaining the correct id and method of treatment to common hitchhikers. Both; the good ones and the bad ones. 1)...

www.reef2reef.com

They are indeed ghost flatworms. I have them too.
Excellent link to just the article I was looking for!