query on proliferation of tiney marine worms

[mepaul]

I've got a well-established 30 gallon marine tank that has developed what I would call an infestation of what look like tiny tube worms.

They create tubes in the sand and have several tentacles about 4 or 5 mm. long, and they retract in response to light or movement.

I saw a couple a few months ago, but at this point they have pretty much fused the sand throughout the tank, and tiny tentacles are visible everywhere.

Does anyone know what these things are or how I can get rid of them? I don't mind a few hangers on from live rock, but this is out of hand!

Any help will be appreciated!

 

[Anonymous]

Hard to tell from that picture but I would say they are a species of Reteterebella (commonly called spaghetti worms), harmless detrivores.
btw It looks like you have a diatom bloom going on, how long has this tank been set up?

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[bboyin4lyf]

interesting. havent heard of such an infestation before. tanks go through natural cycles of biological growth and recession. In your case the worms are reproducing at an increased rate. over time the increased rate will deplete what ever food source is available and a recession will occur. at this time the population should maintain a stable level or die off completely. simply give the tank time and dont try to interfer too much. think of it as a curiousty and take an active interest in the rise and fall of the population. maybe make a photo diary because you most likely wont ever see this again.


cheers

 

[mepaul]

Thanks for taking an interest.
This tank has been set up for three years. It has a wet dry filter and a Magnum cannister filter. It doesn't have much in it, but they've been there for going on three years: a yellow tang, a Mandarin goby, and a couple of damsels. Two recent damsels and a 2.5 year old small Odonus niger died in the last few weeks.

At this point, I would have to say these worms have grown at an existential rate and have occupied the entire bottom of the tank. Their tube structures are now being built up the live coral.

I suspect the mandarin's been eating them, which is great, but their growth seems to be continuous and ever-increasing. I'll see if I can get a better photo with something nearby for scale.

 

[bboyin4lyf]

"existential rate " -"Existentialism is a philosophical movement that views human existence as having a set of underlying themes and characteristics, such as anxiety, dread, freedom, awareness of death, and consciousness of existing. Existentialism is also an outlook, or a perspective, on life that pursues the question of the meaning of life or the meaning of existence. This question is seen as being of paramount importance, above all other scientific and philosophical pursuits."

lol you ment exponenatial :lol:

If theve started to cause trouble with the corals then i'd either suggets manually removing them everyday or maybe remove portions of the sand bed and replace. thats going to be one fat and happy mandarian

 

[Anonymous]

I agree with Dave. I have tons of spaghetti worms too.

 

[Anonymous]

I have them all over the place. In the sand and rocks. They're good for the tank...think of them as stationary clean up crews that send out fishing line and pull in junk.