Unusual worm in tank

[daveyboy]

So last night I was looking at my tank and noticed something unusual. I have noticed these 1/4" or so brown threads (diameter of a worm) on the leaves of some of the plants. I always thought it was brown algae since I have some of it on my glass (new tank) but all of a sudden I noticed something worm like sticking its head out and moving then pulling back into the brown stuff. Upon closer inspection, I've seen a few of these on the leaves and moss. The brown mass doesn't move but their is definitely something in there moving.

Here's the specs:
Fluval Ebi 7.9 gal.
Fluval Stratum substrate
Fluval Mini Power Compact Lamp
Fluval Nano Filter with added Biomax
Fluval 25W heater

Plants:
Bacopa species (not sure if it's Bacopa Caroliniana or Bacopa monnieri)
Echinodorus amazonicus
Echinodorus tenellus
Marsilea quadrifolia
Vesicularia montagnei attached to drift wood

I haven't added any food into the tank (so not overfeeding) since it's not stocked yet (just finished cycling.) I will be stocking with RCS and Bamboo shrimp. I'm guessing whatever it is, it came in with the plants.

Any idea what these are and will they hurt shrimp or fish?

[jobber604]

Any pictures or videos that you can show us will help you determine what it is. it could just be Black Brush Algae moving with the current...

[daveyboy]

I'll try and post a pic when I get a chance. Definitely doesn't look like Black Brush Algae though. It has a very distinct tubular shape and there's a few of them.

[daveyboy]

Just so I'm more clear, these brown tubes lie flat on the leaves and aren't standing up/flowing like hair algae.

[daveyboy]

After extensive GIS, it appears that I have midge fly larvae. I guess they make tubes from tank debris. Anyone know if they are harmful?
Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Invaders: Photographs

[Ursus sapien]

midge larvae are great fish food - not at all harmfull. I have them in my culture jars and some still-water tanks. Even if no one eats them and they transform into midges, the adults are nonbiting.

[daveyboy]

Thanks Ursus sapien, good to hear they aren't harmful. I think I'll try to remove them from the leaves to feed to my bettas

[Ursus sapien]

^^tastey and delicious:-) you're going to have a happy fish.

cheers, Storm