How to get rid of leeches?

[rainbuilder]

I'm very afraid that I have leeches in my aquarium on my fish. These things living on my fish are small, can contract like a worm, and move like am inchworms. They are on everyone, now that I've noticed them. It seems like they are attached mostly to fins, and around heads. I'm very scared that I'll have to do something drastic to get rid of them... I've picked a few off of my fish. Is there any way I can get rid of these without doing something too drastic?

[rainbuilder]

Anyone have answers?

[Complexity]

Can you get a picture? What color are the worms? What shape are their heads?

[Psionic]

I've heard of anchor worms on fish. But I've never actually seen a leech in a tank. I know people have gotten them before though. Are they just on the fish or on other surfaces in the tank? Maybe you can search google images with something like, "parasitic worms in freshwater aquarium" and look at pictures? A picture of the worm in your tank can help us out also.


-Val

[rainbuilder]

I cannot get a picture really, because they are so small and my fish so fast. They are only on the fish. They are whitish clear and have red on the inside like a leech. They do not really have a discernable head.

[defiesexistence]

Salt dip. Dissolve one tablespoon noniodized salt completely in 1 quart water, fish stay in there for a few minutes until they start getting very tipsy or otherwise distressed. Check if your fishes' species tolerate salt.

That, or an ectoparasitic medication.