Possible glass shrimp tapeworm

Question
We have "played" w/ aquariums for about 25 years and have never had to deal with what we've found in our 10 gallon tank. We observed what at first appeared to be a piece of white thread about 2-1/2", "floating" in the powerhead's current. Upon further observation, we found it to be ALIVE and swimming with purpose. Because I didn't PUT it in my tank, I removed it. After doing some research, we've discovered that ghost shrimp CAN get tapeworms. Just hours before we found this "thing", I removed a dead ghost shrimp. This is our first time dealing w/ shrimp. A select few of the several we have seem to have a loopy, white, line-like thing inside their innards. Are we correct? Was that a tapeworm swimming in our tank and would it have been harmful to the other residents?
We also have a question about our green spotted freshwater puffer. At this time, it will only eat bloodworms. Would this cause it's belly to change color? It's changing from white to gray....Our Apple Snails are "expecting" their clutch of eggs to hatch around Christmas...at that time we'll try adding those to his diet, too...(he's no longer interested in the ghost shrimp)....Thanks!

Answer
Hi Valerie,
This actually sounds like planaria. Planaria can be caused by over-feeding or too much uneaten food left in the substrate. Planaria are not harmful to fish although they can be an annoyance. To get rid of these give your substrate a good syphon and do a water change. I would also cut back on the amount of food you are feeding.

Puffer's usually change colour if they are stressed or to blend into the background. Check your water readings to see if that is the problem. The snail eggs will be fine.

Regards,
Chloe.