What is this???

[zhsimko]

I have some sort of alien life form growing in my live rock. Most of the time, it cant be seen at all but yesterday this worm-thing had to be extended a full 2 inches from the rock... does anyone know what this could be? Thanks in advance!

 

[melosu58]

Could be a bristle worm. Could be a leg from a brittle star. My guesses.

 

[zhsimko]

Just google image searched both of those, my guess it is a worm as ive never seen more than that one appendage coming from the rock... I know starfish can regenerate, is it possible a tiny piece was in my LR when I bought it? Its been in my tank for about 2 years now

 

[nxb161]

your best bet is to take a sneak peak after the lights have been off for an hour or so. I really need to get a red light myself, my flashlight scares off the critters.

 

[thominil]

Definately a bristleworm that just extended itself looking for food, good scavengers IMO, when you get too many they can become a problem, but for the most part they are good. Make sure you wear thick rubber gloves for now on when you play around in the tank as they can leave a nasty sting if you touch them.

 

[theaquaticlibrary]

Definitely a bristle worm, They used to grow massive in my reef tank but I always left a couple in as they make good sand sifters

 

[dafraguy]

cool bristle worm you got there,i love finding new critters in the tank