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Need some help with a worm ID

AquaDan

AquaDan

So I walked past my tank this evening and did a double take and found this ginormous worm in my overflow box! I tried to get a better pic but he scurried behind the overflow pipe when I flashed a light in there.

Is this a bristle worm? It seems to have an orange or reddish tip. Not sure if its the head or tail, just that it's huge. I'm sure if I saw one then I probably have hundreds. Must have come in on a frag. I've read mixed reviews on these guys. Are they beneficial or pests?

I added a couple of AquaMags a few months ago and they have become populated with pods and worms. I noticed a similar looking worm behind the AquaMag and tried to get a shot of it.

I have a sixline wrasse in the tank but I honestly think that this worm can take him. I also have a coral banded shrimp.

Should I be concerned? If so, what type of predator should I consider adding to the tank?Worm.jpgWorm2.jpgAquaMag.jpg
 
jgraz

jgraz

It's a bristle worm. IMO they are a great addition to the CUC. When I find them I leave them alone to do their thing. Population control is pretty easy. If there is a over abundance of food there will be a lot of them. Less of them with less food available. I have not yet seen one go after something that is not already dead or dying.
As far a predators go, I have wrasses' and gobies that I have seen pick them off.
 
AquaDan

AquaDan

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback. I was just surprised to see them in my tank, especially one so large. I've read that they can sting too so not crazy about putting my hands in the tank. Never a dull moment in this hobby!
 
JRWOHLER

JRWOHLER

AquaDan said:
Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback. I was just surprised to see them in my tank, especially one so large. I've read that they can sting too so not crazy about putting my hands in the tank. Never a dull moment in this hobby!
Click to expand...
I pick them out of my filter socks and put them back in the tank. But I am admittedly a bit off.
 
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