Slug like animal

[Jenni E]

We have just brought our starter fish home (4 tetras and 2 bristle noses) We noticed after putting these into the tank there was a cream coloured leach like animal on the glass. It suckers to the glass and can move from both ends (like a leach) it is about a 1/4 inch long and thicker at one end.

Any ideas as to what it is and should it be removed

[Abbeys_Mom]

Sounds like Planarians or leeches. If it's planaria, leave it an the fish will eat them, they are generally caused by overfeeding and too few gravel vacuums.

I found this information on leeches for you.

Fish Leech- There are about 300 different species of leeches. They are worm-like creatures that suck on the fish. Besides having an adverse effect on fish they are carriers of blood flagellates. They cause wounds that could end up with secondary infections such as fungus, and bacterial infections. Symptoms: Fish become restless and will try to remove the leech by rubbing against objects in the tank. If you look closely you will see the leech clinging to the body of the fish. Treatment: A 3 % salt dip is usually effective. Pull off any leeches that do not fall off during the dip. Do not remove the leeches before the salt dip or you could cause further injury to your fish. There are medications available at the local pet stores if you are more comfortable using that form of treatment

[Incredulous_Ed]

I would remove it promptly

[bettaboy691]

personally, anything you see in your tank, that you havent put in on purpose, remove it quickley.if later, you find out it does no harm and you really want it back in your tank, replces it somehow?