Bristle worm?

[rafecci]

I have a new tank that I am letting cycle. day 3 and still discovering lots of goodies. I have found what matches the description and picture of a bristle worm. But I am also reading that its NOT a good critter to have? Any suggestions for the newbie?

He is about 3 inches long.....has ventured out of the rocks and goes from rock to rock. very active little critter.

 

[lance]

They are a with caution critter. THe larger they get the hungry they grow. In most cases u will not see them during the day. But if you see a 6 inch worm foraging during the day i would remove it. If touched they will curl up and long grip type device will remove them.

 

[rafecci]

Yummy - thanks!

 

[Innovator]

I have always found them to be beneficial (detrivore and feeding upon carrion) unless you have a large predatory worm such as Eunicidae or a rare corralivore. Until you actually see one consuming other prized inhabitants I would leave them be

 

[roka64]

I agree with James. I value them as a great compliment to my clean up crew. I have never had any issues with mine. One piece of advice, to not pick them up with your bare hands because they a a somewhat nasty sting.