Disappearing Bristle Worms

[qa2744]

Now before everyone thinks I'm complaining.....I think that my bristle worm population is rapidly decreasing. I used to look in the tank at night and there would be 50+ crawling on rocks, sand and walls of the tank.

I have three ideas, and am looking for colobarating evidence

1) Population Crash
2) Recent introduction of Pistol Shrimp
3) Recent growth of Marine Betta (now at 4 inches)

Anyone have a similar experience? The remaining worms are very large (6+ inches long and 1/2 inch wide). I have no fear of them entirely disappearing, but this may be a sympton of a larger ecosystem change.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Anonymous]

#1 population crash is entirely possible if there is not enough food to sustain them.
#2 no way a pistol shrimp will not bother them.
#3 entirely possible your C. altivelis ( Marine Betta ) is consuming the smaller ones.
or #4 they are just hiding.

Regards,
David Mohr