Bristleworm

[MarkW19]

I've just noticed quite a large worm - not sure what type it is, it's sort of spikey and reddy/brown - on my live rock.

There's a lot of life on the LR at the mo - little fan things that keep pulling their crowns in/out etc., little snails.

I was wondering if the worm will cause any damage to the life on my LR - eating it, etc. He just ate a big piece of flake food I put in, so I don't want him to start on the other bits on the rock!

What should I do?

Thanks.

[lando]

Most bristleworms are harmless and beneficial to the aquarium. However, the Carribean bearded fireworm is a tyep of bristle that should be removed ASAP. Here are a couple of pics of what they look like...

[melosu58]

I have several bristle worms and they are good janitors. You`ll see some in this link.

http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm

[roka64]

Yikes, Brian, was that in your tank?!?!? I'm glad you found it, if it was. I agree with the rest and consider my bristleworms to be a part of my clean up crew.

[lando]

Yikes, Brian, was that in your tank?!?!? I'm glad you found it, if it was.

It was in my tank. It was ahout 10 inches long and as big around as my thumb. Nasty little thing.