Glossiphonia: a small original leech for natural aquariums
What is Glossiphonia?
The Glossiphonia (Glossiphonia complanata) is a small freshwater leech, flattened and brown-grayish, not exceeding 2 cm fully stretched. Unlike bloodsucking leeches, it does not suck blood at all but feeds exclusively on micro-debris and occasionally regulates populations of snails (bladder snails) or worms (tubifex and Blackworm). If it comes across a mud worm and manages to catch it, it will be a feast and you will see its body turn red in transparency!
Discreet, it lives hidden in the decor and on the bottom and moves slowly in a "caterpillar" fashion, offering a rare and fascinating spectacle in a low tech aquarium.
Why introduce Glossiphonids into a natural aquarium?
- Targeted cleaning: eliminates organic micro-waste and remains of dead snails.
- Gentle regulation: naturally limits the proliferation of bladder snails without chemicals and without eradicating them.
- Enhanced biodiversity: complements the micro-fauna (water lice, ostracods...) and stabilizes the living cycle by also bringing its specific microbiota.
- Harmless species: no risk to fish or plants. A few rare cases of attacked shrimp or water lice are documented.
- Low tech compatibility: no filter required, no demands, it tolerates a very wide range of parameters.
- Unique animal: it is an original inhabitant of the aquarium. Its "caterpillar" movement by stretching and then retracting is amusing and fascinating. It is possible to observe dozens of babies under the females' bellies.
Harmless and complementary species
Does not sting or bite. It does not touch fish or plants, and of course not humans either!
Perfect for natural aquariums, filterless aquariums, ponds, and trash fish tanks.
Reproduces slowly: the female carries her eggs, then the babies under her body and thus protects the young. They remain few if food is limited.
Usage tips
- 🏠 Introduce the batch of 6 Glossiphonids into your tank.
- 🐟 Fish almost never eat them.
- 🍽️ No specialized feeding: they find their food themselves in or on the substrate.
- 🔍 Place a magnifying glass next to the aquarium for your close observation sessions!
- ✋ Remove a few individuals by hand from time to time if you want to limit the population.
FAQ - Glossiphonia in aquarium
Is it a parasitic worm?
No. The Glossiphonia does not suck blood either; it feeds on micro-debris and small invertebrates.
Is it dangerous for my fish?
Not at all. Fish generally ignore it.
Will it invade my tank?
No. Its reproduction is quite slow and self-regulates according to available food. Hand collection also helps properly limit the population.
Can I see it easily?
Yes, but it is not large. It is part of the decor and you may be happy to have a magnifying glass handy to observe it closely if it climbs on the glass!
Is it suitable for a nano-aquarium (≤ 20 liters)?
Yes, provided the tank is planted and contains some micro-fauna to clean. As a precaution, avoid associating it with shrimp.
Additional information
Scientific name: Glossiphonia complanata
Packaging: batch of 6 individuals (indicative weight: 15 g)
Guarantee: raised without chemical treatment or any direct or indirect contact with fish, in natural breeding.
Recommendation: even if not classified as invasive, please never release these organisms into the wild as a rule. Our wild ecosystems are fragile and precious.
