What worm is this?

[moodleygm]

I purchased some plants from a person who cultivates them in open ponds.The ponds have no filteration but have some live-bearers breeding in them as well. I found some worms that resemble a fluke worm. The worm has a very narrow anterior end, brown in colour and rounds itself when touched. Are these worms harmful? I have attached a photo taken with a cell phone.These are not planaria from my knowledge.

[Henk Hugo]

a leech maybe?

[Altum]

They are most likely Planarians
Overall taper shape.
Flat worms, with typical responses to tactile stimuli all behave similarly.

Leeches and Planaria are BOTH flatworms (Platyhelminths)
Depends what your pre-existing nowlwedge of these "bugs" are.

Colour is variable, so is overall shape.

2 "eyespots"
triangular(pointed) "head-end"
http://www.planetinverts.com/planaria.jpg

They're an indication of an low water quality status, high organic content, and poor maintenance. Uneaten food, Outside conditions ideal for introduction/reproduction, debris all make it an IDEAL HABITAT.

Planaria are non-parasitic flatworms

[moodleygm]

thanks Altum, But this certainly is not a planaria. I will take it to my ex-school and examine it under a microscope to see if it has suckers or barbs.

thanks Altum, But this certainly is not a planaria. I will take it to my ex-school and examine it under a microscope to see if it has suckers or barbs.

[Altum]

Glad my reply has made you want to " GO BACK TO SCHOOL"
:idea:
A simple magnifying glass will reveal the "eyespots", especially if in well-lit area, ventral side down, against a glass/bottle.

But yeah, please go ahead and report back your findings.

My experience has shown them to be nearly everywhere in typical stagnant/low-flow aquatic environments
.... not to say you DID'NT find a leech:amazed:

[moodleygm]

The worm is finally recognised as a leech ( zoology dept. UDW)

[Henk Hugo]

+1 for me