I have searched all over the internet and have not been able to find a definetive answer on these tiny red wriggling worms.
We live in Phoenix, AZ. We have a large outdoor pond, 1,400 gal. One sdection is 3' deep, then, 2', then 1' to the skimmer which has a screen and scrubber brushes and a 3600 GPH pump. From there 800 GPH of water is pumped through an 18 watt UV light then to a biofilter and returned to pond. The remainder goes to stream and waterfall.
We have three RES, Josie 9" long, Gabby 7" and Nellie 6". Everytime I clean the pond out there are lots of these little red worms. Are the harmful? Do they come from the turles digestive tracts? Is it a concern?
The turtles are all happy, bask on an island, beach, log and crawl up the waterfall and bask on it too. They currently share the pond with 9 fish, 8 Comets and one surviving minnow. All the fish started out as 1/2" feeders but have learned to survive and the big ones are 7" long now. The turtles eat pellets, occasionally crickets, dried brine shrimp and small fish, but have not had many treats over the winter due to being inactive.
The worms have been present last summer, fall and now.
When I clean their pond I have drained it completely and sucked up all scum off the bottom so I know they are not staying in the water. I hope I have given enough info to get the best answer!
