Good or bad fireworm?
- Thread starter Wlegrow
- Start date
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Based on Chucksaddiction website on hitch hikers:
"Amphinoids are also known as "fireworms" and have calcareous setae filled with poisonous secretions. When irritated, they erect their sharp setae which break off at a touch releasing their poisonous contents into the wound. Most species are found on corals, rocks and other hard substrata covered with attached organisms. They swim well and can be brilliantly colored. All but one species can be considered harmless and are great scavengers."
from this page: Worm Hitch Hikers
Although, it does also look like the first picture under the section called "The Hesionids" on the same page... Wish I had a better picture!
Either way, it sounds like I might want to get rid of it... what's the best way?
"Amphinoids are also known as "fireworms" and have calcareous setae filled with poisonous secretions. When irritated, they erect their sharp setae which break off at a touch releasing their poisonous contents into the wound. Most species are found on corals, rocks and other hard substrata covered with attached organisms. They swim well and can be brilliantly colored. All but one species can be considered harmless and are great scavengers."
from this page: Worm Hitch Hikers
Although, it does also look like the first picture under the section called "The Hesionids" on the same page... Wish I had a better picture!
Either way, it sounds like I might want to get rid of it... what's the best way?
paulace2372
Aquarium Advice Freak
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2011
- Messages
- 202
I would get rid, I had one a few years ago which had a disagreement with my filter intake and poisoned my aquarium. I lost all of my fish and it ruined everything. In my opinion there is no such thing as a good fire worm but that is a matter for debate I am sure.
I took the rock out and encouraged him out with a water pic full or RO water! That works really well... lol. The snail that was on that rock is happily munching algae on the rock beside it now. Hopefully that'll be the end of that!
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
that worm is fine. it's a common bristle worm.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
Sure. it's just that most worms seem to get a bad rap. fireworms are actually very rare in our tanks. 99% of the time they are common bristle worms.google "fireworm images".
most of the bristles are detrivores. people are pulling them out and killing them, and then ordering expensive "cleanup crews" on line. kinda silly.
most of the bristles are detrivores. people are pulling them out and killing them, and then ordering expensive "cleanup crews" on line. kinda silly.
