Anybody know what this is??

[CristianD]

Just saw this at the base of a rock. Only about 3 in. of it was showing. Some kind of worm with hair-like bristles on it. Is this ok in a reef tank of should I try and get rid of it? Thanks for the help.

 

[dherrera83]

Bristle worm

http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/polychaete

Is that what you have?? IF so its reef safe.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Looks like a bristle worm, they're good.

 

[dherrera83]

Get a flash light and at night flash the light on the sand bed and you will see many more maybe even some pods.

 

[stooops718]

Bristle worm

 

[CristianD]

Thanks guys

 

[CristianD]

Get a flash light and at night flash the light on the sand bed and you will see many more maybe even some pods.

Yea I do that sometimes. See plenty of pods. First time i saw the bristle worm

 

[REEF MANIA]

They are good until the point when they get too big. Hurt likes hell when you touch one while doing aquascaping. They leave some of those bristles in your hand and fingers. Doesn't feel so nice. But they are fun to watch along with the other night crawlers in your tank. I use to spend hours watching some crazy creatures in my tank. My wife and kids would never put there hands in my tank. After seeing the night crawlers in my tank.

 

[CristianD]

They are good until the point when they get too big. Hurt likes hell when you touch one while doing aquascaping. They leave some of those bristles in your hand and fingers. Doesn't feel so nice. But they are fun to watch along with the other night crawlers in your tank. I use to spend hours watching some crazy creatures in my tank. My wife and kids would never put there hands in my tank. After seeing the night crawlers in my tank.

Damnn!! yea i heard they can sting. I actually just saw another small one. You think they're def fine in the tank? I try to keep my hands out as much as possible, but always have to put up frags and stuff my snails, hermits knock over. How big is too big?

 

[Bikeboss11]

You run the risk of them stinging you, which i heard is very painful.....I would of gotten rid of them

 

[bizzarro]

I wear gloves but I was able to catch and remove the one I had.

I tried the hot water syringe thing but it always got away too fast.

When I saw it inside small piece rock, I took that out and broke it apart to get to it. I woudln't break it up but it was frag with mushrooms on it.

If you have any small pieces of rocks that has holes in it. I'd leave it in the tank near where you see it and keep an eye on it ,if it ever goes into it then you can just toss that rock away.

Actively catching it doesn't work, if you see it on teh rock it has a great grip that siphon with a decent sized hose can't suck out.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

They're good for the tank so leave them and let them do their job. They don't sting but if you touch the bristles they can irritate you and they do break off in your skin. Some tape or rubbing your hand on some fabric tends to dissipate or get rid of it. Christine Williams has a great rule in regards to avoiding things like this "Don't stick your hands where you can't see". In other words, don't go digging around behind rocks with your hand and you won't come in contact with them.

 

[CristianD]

Very true. Also I feel like since I saw more than one there are prob a bunch. Tanks been running for 4 years. There's no chance of getting all of them. And especially if they're beneficial I'll just let em be. Thanks for all the help.