The leech has three pairs of eyes, one in the middle and two more pairs on the left and right side of its head. When taking a closer look, it is noticeable, that Barbronia weberi has a thicker tail-end and a rather narrow head - depending on its level of stretchiness its body shape can vary quite drastically. If you discover a brown-red, relatively slender leech in your aquarium, it is most likely a member of this species. Of course, Asian leeches can still be brought in from Asia with aquatic plants. Barbronia weberi has been firmly established in aquaristics. The specimens in our aquariums were certainly first introduced to our homes in Germany with aquarium plants from Asian garden centers. Originating from Asia, this leech spread in Europe, Australia and America. Asian freshwater leechīarbronia weberi is among the Rhynchobdellida. Although preparations that contain copper are toxic to them, unfortunately those will also finish off other invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp and snails. Typical worm-killers like Panacur or Flubenol do not work against snail-leeches. Natural predators are unfortunately unknown. Since snail-leeches don’t usually show up in large numbers, you can easily collect or suck away animals discovered in the aquarium. A snail-leech’s body doesn’t feel soft and slimy, but hard and gristly. Furthermore, snail-leeches are skillful swimmers - much unlike planatian flatworms -, moving surprisingly fast through the water in s-shapes. This mode of movement is quite different from planarians and other aquatic worms. Next, the suction cup at the front end attaches to the ground and the tail end follows. First, the rear end is held on the ground by a suction cup, then the leech pushes its front end forward. The movement of the snail-leech resembles that of a caterpillar. Fortunately, they do not occur in larger groups, but are more likely to pop up as individuals. These leeches are unsurprisingly VERY unwelcome guests in aquariums containing more special snails like Tylomelania sp. Snail-leeches live predatory off worms and snails, which are unceremoniously sucked dry. Mostly they live hidden in the substrate or holding onto stones or plant leaves. They can reach a length of up to three centimeters. Often, eggs and the digestive tract can be seen in the middle of the body, which makes them easily distinguishable from planarian flatworms.įrom species to species, snail-leeches vary in colour, reddish-brown, green and also creamy-white colours are possible. Snail-leeches can be pretty easily identified by their build - which is drop-shaped. Insofar, caution is advised, when catching live-food from open waters. The most common species are native to Germany and partly found in waters: the great snail-leech ( Glossiphonia complanata) and the small snail-leech ( Glossiphonia heteroclita). Snail-leeches usually belong to the species Glossiphonia. Matching this, you will get tips on identification and control methods for a leech infestation of your aquarium. In the following, we introduce some species of leech that can occasionally pop up in an aquarium. Pre-owned technology and decoration should be disinfected before use. These plants are cultivated, stored and sold under completely sterile conditions and are therefore free from any critters, algae and foreign plants.Īnother option would be to quarantine newly acquired aquarium plants and animals (refer : "preparing plants for your shrimp tank"). To minimize the risk of introducing leeches - but also other unwanted accompanying fauna - into your aquarium, it is best to go for in vitro plants. Snails in particular are a very popular “free ride”. (the snail-leech) are also native to Europe, an introduction through live food from ponds is possible, too. Since some leech species such as glossiphonia sp. Other paths like pre-owned aquarium equipment, decoration and substrate are possible, too. Not unlike other small beasties ( planarian flatworms, hydra), leeches can end up in your tank alongside privately traded, submerse aquatic plants. In this article, we give you assistance in the identification and handling of aquatic leeches. Therefore, they are not necessarily to be considered a pest. Although, in principle, leeches feed predatory, not all species pose a threat to your aquarium inhabitants. The so-called accompanying fauna, which can appear in the aquarium, may include, among other things, leeches. Picture is edited (more sharpness, frame removed). Ulrich Kutschera - Own image via Wiki Commons, license: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source and copyright of the header picture: Prof.
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