Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Phylum Nematoda

Nematode sp.

Round Worms

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Note: There are many different nematodes in existence, with many being parasitic and causing problems in humans and plants. However, those in aquarium substrates, in the Class Adenophorea, feed on algae, diatoms, bacteria, various organic matter and are considered important recyclers of sandbed organic matter. These unsegmented, round, elongated, translucent crawling worms are generally called 'Round Worms’ because their body is snake-like in shape, and are mostly less than three millimeters in length. They are part of the meiofauna found in healthy substrates/sandbeds and a valuable addition to all sandbed aquariums. Photographs of such worms can also be seen in the book "The Complete Book of the Marine Aquarium" by Vincent B. Hargreaves, ISBN # 1-84065-351-5, page 235.

 Nematode sp. (Round Worms)
Photo © serc.si.edu
Kinorhyncha sp. Lepidonotus clava
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