Bristleworm ID

[J.C.]

I just spotted this worm in my 10g reef tonight while I had the flashlight out. When the light hit it, it darted back into the rock...I'ver never seen a worm move this quick before! I have a lot of bristleworms in my tank (the normal red and black ones) but I have never seen one like this before...its yellow!

I found a pic on RC that is very much like what I saw in my tank. The part that I saw coming out of the rock was about 4 inches long and the body was about 1/8" to 3/16" wide. I was hoping that someone on here might know more about it and be able to tell me if I should be taking it out of the tank. I plan on moving this rock over to my new 25 and if its not good to have, I want to make sure to get it out before then! I'll try to get a pic of it, but for now heres the pic from RC. Thanks for the help.

J.C.

[mordinad]

I had the same kind in my 46g bowfront! 3'+ huge... like a water centipede, no fine bristles.

[ajx22]

Normally - bright color = fireworm (can be problematic)...

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-03/rs/index.php
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-04/rs/index.php

[J.C.]

When I am ready to transfer the rock to the new system, would it be a wise idea to try and get this guy out of there? I plan on getting SPS and a clam or two in the future and I want to make sure this thing doesn't bother them.

I've heard that if you pour or dunk the rock into carbonated water, then that will force them out. Has anyone heard of this method and is it a good one? After it gets out, I'd rinse it in tank water of course.

Thanks for the links AJ, I didn't know there were that many different types of worms out there!

J.C.

[ajx22]

Yes - Soda Water is GREAT for getting unwanted critters out of live rock! :)

lol - There are soooooooo many types - just only a certain number that are common in our captive systems.

If it were my tank - I would try to get him to vacate his home - especially with clams and corals...potential problem that could be easily avoided now.

I can't think of any situation that you would curse that you took him out - however, I can see the day seeing destruction, cursing that you didn't pull him out when you had the chance.

HTH & good luck!

[J.C.]

Thanks a lot AJ....I'll make sure to snap a picture of the little (or rather large) SOB when I get him out!!!

J.C.

[J.C.]

Well, I thought I would take a look in the tank just now (lights have been off for an hour) and I saw my little friend climbing up the back glass of the tank, so I grabbed the siphon hose and sucked him right out of there!! He's a hell of a lot longer than I thought! I put a dime in the bucket for comparison, and the bucket is 11" in diamter. If he was straightened out, he would be longer than the bucket...I figure 12 or 13 inches. I'm happier now without him in there, thats for sure!

J.C.

[Jimbo]

If you didn't waste so much money on gas to bring your tank "without crack in it" back to Oakville you could have afforded a camera with a flash......LOL :hihi:

[J.C.]

If you didn't waste so much money on gas to bring your tank "without crack in it" back to Oakville you could have afforded a camera with a flash......LOL :hihi:

I tried the flash, but it made everything white (too bright)...I also took those pictures at midnight and didn't want my house to look like some kind of photo shoot!

J.C.

[Jimbo]

Hows the tank coming? I'm anxious to come see it when everythings in it.:dance:

[J.C.]

Its coming along really well...it looks the same as my last post in my build log. I'm just waiting for the cycle to finish...the ammonia's gone and the nitrate is almost gone, I figure by the middle of next week I should be alright. I'll give you a call once everything's in there.

J.C.