Shrimp thief

[StirCrazy]

ok so I was feeding the Brain last night and under the moon light I saw something waving.. thinking the brain had a mutent tentical I hit it with the flash light and almost freaked out, there was a ugly worm trying to steal the shrimp.. but this guy was huge.. from the pictures you can see how he extends from the rock into the sand and under the brain them up on the Brain. the arrows point to its body.
http://members.shaw.ca/stircrazy/critters/shrimptheif.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/stircrazy/critters/shrimptheif2.jpg

Steve

[Toirtis]

Looks like you need a bristleworm trap.

[afss]

I got one thats gotta be pushing 1.5 feet.. it doesn't seem to bother anything. If you are considering removing it, I would reconsider.. they make for great cleaners.
Scott

[StirCrazy]

I am not going to remove it as the only time I see him is if i feed in the dark, if the actinics are still on he won't come out. Also he was going after the shrimp and not hurting the coral so that is ok.

Steve

[Red-Sea]

I also have 3 or so of them guys, they measure about 7-8" long
and only see them roaming around at night when the light's are out. I always wondered if they are good or bad for reef tank, specialy I will be getting some Clams I'm worried if they cause any harm. Any advise is appriciated:help:

[ajx22]

Originally posted by Red-Sea
I also have 3 or so of them guys, they measure about 7-8" long
and only see them roaming around at night when the light's are out. I always wondered if they are good or bad for reef tank, specialy I will be getting some Clams I'm worried if they cause any harm. Any advise is appriciated:help:

Don't worry at all. Bristly worms are a great addition to your reef tank. They don't bother anyone (99.9% of the time)...and do a great job at cleaning up the sandbed.

Unless you find one doing damage...don't worry about them at all. People pay good $$ to get them for their tanks.

It's fun to watch the 1,000's I have in my tank go :krazy:NUTZ:krazy: when I feed the tank!

Cheers,

[Toirtis]

Since it is likely, I am going to assume that there are multiple species of 'bristleworms' and some appear more destructive than others (based on various individuals' opinions of them)....any idea which are the good ones, and which are the 'nasties'?

[Dman]

We've come some distance since they were the scourge of reef tanks all across the land, and that was only three years ago :D
I think that bristle worms new found survivability rate in hobbiest tanks can probably be thankful to Dr Ron Shimek.
Dman
:spin:

[Dman]

I also faintly recall an artcle som eyears back regarding someone have one that he pulled out of his tank that was on the order of 15 feet :bigeek:
If I run across it I will certainly post a link here.
Dman
:spin:

[Toirtis]

Aha!

http://www.aquarium.net/0198/0198_2.shtml

And these guys are exceeding funky:
http://www.aquarium.net/0497/0497_4.shtml

[Fishlips]

I figure I'd share the wierdest thing I've seem in my aquarium.

http://www.ultrai.com/fish/whatzit/threadywormlarge.jpg

http://www.ultrai.com/fish/whatzit/threadywormsideview.jpg

[afss]

Fish lips.. not sure but i think its common name is a spaghetti worm.

Tortis. The ones that some people still fear are fire worms. Theses are the bright pink ones. My large bristle worm is a fire worm, or at least i think it is.

[Dman]

To all,
Almost impossible to PROPERLY 100% identify these critters without an autopsy.
Dman
:spin:

[StirCrazy]

Originally posted by Dman
To all,
Almost impossible to PROPERLY 100% identify these critters without an autopsy.
Dman
:spin:

Or at least a good macro shot of the head that is clear.. acording to Dr Ron you can positivly identify most if you can get a clear shot of the head.

Steve

[Dman]

Thanks Stircrazy,
Did you get a chance to show them to Dr. Ron?
Dman
:spin:

[Fishlips]

I've asked for an ID on the worm through rec.aquaria.marine.reefs newsgroup a few months ago and ....

"The word so far, is that it must be a Cirratulid tube worm, but is
the most bizarre one anyone has seen. The image is flooding the e-mail boxes of the worlds
experts"

[Dman]

Hope someone can help you out, it's always nice to know exactly what you have in your tank, in case you need to eradicate the little buggers :D
Dman
:spin: