Swimming, squirmy worm thing

[Scoot]

Saw this when I had to turn on the room lights.

It swam around, squirming like mad for a few minutes before dropping behind the rocks...

Pics below aren't good, was hard to get a focus on him. These are the two best. Its not on the glass as it appears in the photos - its squirming all over the place, up and down.

Any ideas? Good/bad?

 

[Fluff]

Looks like a bristleworm that's regrowing it's tail end.

 

[Scoot]

I thought it looked like a bristleworm too, but I didn't know bristleworms could swim. I've always had dozens (or more) in my tank, but I've never seen one take flight...

 

[tweaver001]

I agree, front end looks like a bristle, however I've never seen them swim. Unusual.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I've seen the same thing in my tank..only once in the 3 or so years I've had it. I believe Fluff is right.

 

[roka64]

I agree with the rest, bristleworm. I believe they can "swim" by using the current, ie phs.

 

[MantisFreak]

It's an epitoke. When bristleworms reproduce, they grow an epitoke on the end filled with eggs and sperm (gametes). Eventually, the epitoke will separate from the parent polychaete and swim to the surface like it is on crack. Then it will explode spreading gametes into the water.

 

[Lance M.]

swim to the surface like it is on crack. Then it will explode spreading gametes into the water.

lol nice