2002, 2003 Neubert and Nesemann 1999 Pavluk et al. worms, snails and shrimp) (Govedich et al. The Asian freshwater leech, Barbronia weberi, are typical freshwater leeches that feed on invertebrates (e.g. Similar to an inchworm, the leech makes steps as it progresses with the help of the suction cups at its front and rear end. Only one half of the body remains motionless while the other half of the body, the head, waves about. This looks like an earthworm with a slightly slimmer head. Asian LeechĪnother denizen commonly seen is the common freshwater Asian leech Barbronia weberi. Sometimes the best course is to remove all snails from the tank to another tank, then treat the infected aquarium for two months. All the medications (Fenbendazole and copper) which kill snail leeches also kill snails. Since snail leeches can suck a snail dry it is important to get rid of snail leeches in aquariums with snails. It takes a good eye to see these tiny critters. Other species of snail leeches can also present as typical very small brown or black leeches attached to the snails. A snail-leech’s body doesn’t feel soft and slimy, but hard and gristly.” Various snail leeches 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. From species to species, snail-leeches vary in color, reddish-brown, green and also creamy-white colors are possible. Often, eggs and the digestive tract can be seen in the middle of the body, which makes them easily distinguishable from planarian flatworms. “ Snail-leeches can be pretty easily identified by their build – which is drop-shaped. Note the thick body and the narrow tapering head: Snail leech This is a photo of a typical snail leech. Talk about gross! Shrimp eat these denizens. There have been videos on social media of the floor of snail aquariums literally covered with small waving snail leeches. In an aquarium the thicker half of their bodies remain firmly in place on the glass or substrate while the thinner head portion waves about. Most of them look like translucent white or brown (sometimes even green!) worms with a teardrop shape. They can drain a snail dry in a few days. If there are snails in the aquarium and those snails seem to be dying at an alarming rate suspect snail leeches. The typical snail leech attaches to an organism like a snail and drinks its blood. These long stretched out bodies look very much like a “worm” and can be white, gray or brown. Their bodies can typically stretch out quite long and then contract rapidly. Most move by “inching” along, head attaches, tail moves, tail attaches, head moves etc. They all have a round body which typically remains motionless and a thinner head that waves about hunting for food. The most common are snail leeches and Asian leeches. There are several varieties seen in aquariums. They are annelid worms or “tubeworms” closely related to good old earthworms. Leeches are interesting little critters sometimes seen in aquariums.

Freshwater leech identification