Worm I have never seen

[twychopen]

I hope this isnt an emergency but can anyone id this worm? I found it under a rock I moved. It looks kinda hairy. I fed it to my crab.

[Europhyllia]

It just looks like a bristle worm to me

[twychopen]

do they do anything bad?

[Europhyllia]

Some people think they're bad. Others think they're harmless.
I have tons of them and haven't noticed anything bad yet.

[FireWater]

Mostly harmless detritus eater. If they proliferate too much they can irritate some corals. I have never noticed any issues with the ones I find in my tank.

Also, try not to grab them with bare hands - it feels kind of like messing w/ insulation or fiberglass. The bristles can and will break off under your skin.

[twychopen]

ok thanks everyone. I used tweezers. I don't touch stuff if I don't have to. It was very shocking to see such a big one growing under my rocks. I am glad that it doesnt do too much harm!

[Pennies2Cents]

Bristle Worms = Scavengers they are good to have. :)

More than likely there are lots more in your tank, you just have not seen them. They mostly come out during feeding time and or night time.

Hope this helps. :)

[saabtech]

i think i have hundreds in my tank (none over 2 inches) i never worry about them.
its the 14 inch ribbon worm that i worry about!!

[ErikH]

That looks like a fireworm. Just a really mean bristle. Stings like a champ.

[Gseclipse02]

That looks like a fireworm. Just a really mean bristle. Stings like a champ.


touch the warm and let us know which it is .......
















































jkjk

[twychopen]

hahaha.

[CoryDude]

I've had problems with the larger ones 10+ inches bothering some lps and clams. One used to chomp on the tissue edge of my elegance. Other than that, as most have stated, they're usually beneficial.

[jrodriguez]

we were so worried about these things at first, too. but it became a headache after a while. Trying to get each one out, was a pain. But never noticed anything bad ahppening to our fish, just to me the wife. I moved a rock and and got stung by one on my finger. at first it felt like a piece of tape. Then i realized what is was, shortly after the pain came in. some stayed in my finger for about a week and a half. eventually they were gone. Just be careful next time u move any rocks.