Is this a bristle worm?

[DI68]

Hi

I had to pull apart my reef to catch my tangs for sale ( prob with nitrates ) and was surprised to see this worm in the container as I hadn't seen it in the tank. Is it a bristle worm? It looks like a centipede and is around 5+ inches long. I have re assembled my tank but left this this out waiting for some advice on whether to put it back in or not.. Thanks

 

[melosu58]

Yes that is a bristle worm. I have some in my tank as they good janitors. They will over run a tank if not kept in check. Most likely you already have some in your tank.

 

[mr_X]

A 5" worm is a sign of an abundance of food. Ease up on feeding. A couple times a week is fine. The less food you have, the less worms you'll see.

 

[DI68]

Yes that is a bristle worm. I have some in my tank as they good janitors. They will over run a tank if not kept in check. Most likely you already have some in your tank.

Thanks and nice tank BTW. So in your experience, I don't need this in there? I am reading they can be good and bad at the same time.

 

[DI68]

A 5" worm is a sign of an abundance of food. Ease up on feeding. A couple times a week is fine. The less food you have, the less worms you'll see.

Thanks Doug. Is it a threat now being that size?

 

[mr_X]

I've never seen a common worm like the one pictured do anything other than eat decaying matter, regardless of it's size.