Fish for planaria

[toadstool_paradise]

I’ve been dealing with small rust (red) flatworms around 8 months now. I originally treated with Flatworm Exit the end of last year and the flatworms were gone until a month ago. I’ve treated once per week for 5 weeks now and they don’t die! They are bothered by FE but still after treatment are there the next day. I’ve double dosed and waited over the needed time but nothing is working. Didn’t want to add more fish but I’m running out of options.

What fish would eat red planaria (pretty small flatworm)? I have only a 20 gallon tank with a YWG, clown, and swissguard basslet. No good LFS around really, one occasionally has some good fish. Would a Pygmy possum wrasse eat them? What about a baby yellow coris wrasse and rehome as it gets bigger? I don’t even know where to buy a springeri damsel...

And good sites that sell any flatworm eating fish? I’m out of options and the flatworms seem to bother my coral. Not sure I could do a nudibranch, not enough supply of flatworms .

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Springari damsel, melanarus, 6 line would all do it. Springeri are and stay small.

 

[Spare time]

Red scooter dragonettes do a great job

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Springari damsel, melanarus, 6 line would all do it. Springeri are and stay small.

My only concern with 6 line or damsel is aggression because all of my fish are peaceful with eachother.

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Red scooter dragonettes do a great job

Just worried it might not have enough food and starve, not sure if my pod population would be enough if it ate all the flatworms.

 

[Spare time]

Just worried it might not have enough food and starve, not sure if my pod population would be enough if it ate all the flatworms.

The reds typically will eat frozen food eventually. Every one I have sold has eaten frozen food.

 

[toadstool_paradise]

The reds typically will eat frozen food eventually. Every one I have sold has eaten frozen food.

I went to the only LFS somewhat close to me and they unfortunately had none today :/ will have to keep a lookout for them or just order one online. Thanks!

 

[BostonReefer300]

Highly recommend the yellow coris. Very friendly and it'll take years--if ever---before it gets too big for your tank. They eat all sorts of pests. You might want to refresh pods every month or so he can have fun hunting once all the pests are gone.

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Highly recommend the yellow coris. Very friendly and it'll take years--if ever---before it gets too big for your tank. They eat all sorts of pests. You might want to refresh pods every month or so he can have fun hunting once all the pests are gone.

I will keep an eye out for a small yellow coris as well! Thanks a bunch.

 

[Spare time]

I went to the only LFS somewhat close to me and they unfortunately had none today :/ will have to keep a lookout for them or just order one online. Thanks!

They might be able to order one in for you if you ask.

 

[toadstool_paradise]

They might be able to order one in for you if you ask.

I guess I never thought of asking, but I’ll call them tomorrow to see if I can! Thank you.

 

[RuuToo]

My only concern with 6 line or damsel is aggression because all of my fish are peaceful with eachother.

+1 for the springeri. I have tons of planaria in my sump and fuge and I’ve never seen one in the display. This particular damsel is about as docile and friendly as damsels get.

 

[dedragon]

My only concern with 6 line or damsel is aggression because all of my fish are peaceful with eachother.

springeri damsels are very shy and not aggressive imo.

 

[toadstool_paradise]

+1 for the springeri. I have tons of planaria in my sump and fuge and I’ve never seen one in the display. This particular damsel is about as docile and friendly as damsels get.

springeri damsels are very shy and not aggressive imo.

I will see if my LFS can order some of the fish suggested! Thank you

 

[dedragon]

they are usually pretty cheap (near me at least) under 20 in most places

 

[toadstool_paradise]

they are usually pretty cheap (near me at least) under 20 in most places

You’re lucky I have only the one LFS thats less than an hour from me, and it usually doesn’t carry that damsel there.

 

[Roadki11]

Would the Springari get along with the clown though? I'm in the same situation as the OP, and my maroon pair are pretty territorial to their corner.

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Update: went to my LFS and found one springeri available! Here’s to hoping it has an appetite for flatworms~

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Would the Springari get along with the clown though? I'm in the same situation as the OP, and my maroon pair are pretty territorial to their corner.

So far no aggression between my clown and damsel in fact they’re swimming together right now. Will update if that changes!

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Well, it sucks because the springeri is getting along with YWG and clown but has been chasing my swissguard basslet. Kind of tired of dealing with it all lol. Probably going to have to rehome it and go for a coris wrasse instead. From what I’ve heard it’s peaceful but that is NOT how it’s acting now :/