Snails, parasites and crawdads?

[jle49]

Did the worms look like these?:

Or perhaps these?:

Because these are very common annelids found on crayfish. They are not harmful (in most cases, a few rarely seen species are) to the crayfish or any tankmates. Most of the time there's actually a beneficial relationship between the leech (annelid) and the crayfish.

Other than that, I can't think of anything that would fit that description other than a fluke. Which would have come from the snails and eventually moved to the crayfish as it's life cycle progressed. But those are usually internal, and not on the new shell during molting. That's usually annelids that do that.

If that's what you saw I can give you info on how to get rid of them. But if it's not, ignore my comment, heh.

I did go on your site. I do feed them cooked shrimp and algae tablets. Can you suggest some types of veggies?

 

[black_sun]

Oh, Yeah, that's them. I'm kind of a nut about my crayfish. I so enjoy watching them molt. The reason that I got so freaked out is, I didn't see any of those worms the last time they molted. As I mentioned, the fish in that tank are starting to breed and I didn't want to wind up with critter filled eggs. Since I now feel pretty confident that my fish won't be harmed. I'll be more diligent about water changes and limit the food. So appreciate the pic's. You got it absolutely right. Thanks Johnette

You won't always see them during a molt, especially if there isn't a large number of them. Actually, you won't see them most of the time at all, but if you do, it'll be during a molt (they seem to know when to move and not get left behind with the old shell). They aren't bad... just kinda creepy (I freaked out so badly the first time I ever saw them).

Anyway, since they're leeches they have a real low tolerance for salt. You could add a little salt to your tank to kill anything that may not be on a crayfish currently (scrub out any decorations, too, if you felt inclined to do so). And you can use this, to treat the crayfish for any unseen leeches:

"-Grab a set of scales and measure out 35grams of salt.
-If you don't have micro scales a good teaspoon is around 4.7grams, so 5 nice teaspoons will do.
-I don't mind what salt you use, personally I prefer pool salt.
-Throw that in 250ml of boiling water and stir in until dissolved.
-Then take 1.750ml of water from your crayfish's tank put it in a 4 litre ice cream container or something similar with high sides.
-Add the dissolved salt solution to it and stir again.
-Drop an airstone to keep the water nice an aerated.
-Set up an alarm clock to 3 hours in the future.
-Drop your crayfish in and make sure it can not escape.
-Go clean out you little mates tank.
-Come back and remove when the alarm goes off.
-Repeat every 7 days if needed."

That done a few time will get rid of them, unless you introduce new crayfish lol. I have to do this every time I decide to bring home new wild-caught crays. ^_^

I did go on your site. I do feed them cooked shrimp and algae tablets. Can you suggest some types of veggies?

Haha, ah my poor under-construction site. It's in such a sad state right now...

Anyway, each species seems to enjoy different things... so do a bit of "trial and error" with various things. Irrespective of the species though, I've found string beans, cucumber, zucchini and peas to be highly appreciated. (Some of those require a weight of some kind to get them to sink though, like cucumber).

 

[jle49]

You won't always see them during a molt, especially if there isn't a large number of them. Actually, you won't see them most of the time at all, but if you do, it'll be during a molt (they seem to know when to move and not get left behind with the old shell). They aren't bad... just kinda creepy (I freaked out so badly the first time I ever saw them).

Anyway, since they're leeches they have a real low tolerance for salt. You could add a little salt to your tank to kill anything that may not be on a crayfish currently (scrub out any decorations, too, if you felt inclined to do so). And you can use this, to treat the crayfish for any unseen leeches:

"-Grab a set of scales and measure out 35grams of salt.
-If you don't have micro scales a good teaspoon is around 4.7grams, so 5 nice teaspoons will do.
-I don't mind what salt you use, personally I prefer pool salt.
-Throw that in 250ml of boiling water and stir in until dissolved.
-Then take 1.750ml of water from your crayfish's tank put it in a 4 litre ice cream container or something similar with high sides.
-Add the dissolved salt solution to it and stir again.
-Drop an airstone to keep the water nice an aerated.
-Set up an alarm clock to 3 hours in the future.
-Drop your crayfish in and make sure it can not escape.
-Go clean out you little mates tank.
-Come back and remove when the alarm goes off.
-Repeat every 7 days if needed."

That done a few time will get rid of them, unless you introduce new crayfish lol. I have to do this every time I decide to bring home new wild-caught crays. ^_^




Haha, ah my poor under-construction site. It's in such a sad state right now...

Anyway, each species seems to enjoy different things... so do a bit of "trial and error" with various things. Irrespective of the species though, I've found string beans, cucumber, zucchini and peas to be highly appreciated. (Some of those require a weight of some kind to get them to sink though, like cucumber).

I copied your salt treatment plan. I'm just going to hang for now. My other 2 crayfish should be molting real soon. I only saw maybe 10 to 12 worms. If I have an abundance of worms, salt it is. I eat string beans all the time. Going to start with them. Sincerely Thanks, Johnette