Large Bristle Worm

[Jim Fritter]

I have read much about bristle worms and have seen several in my tank.

It appears from the literature that the consesus is that they are beneficial. However, several articles have suggested removing large specimens.

My large speciment is a little bit bigger around than a pencil. Length is undetermined as I have only seen a portion of it. It is salmon/pinkisk colored with white appendages.

You comments would be approeciated

[AWestphal]

I think if it is that big it could possibly do some harm. I would remove it. Even if it is the security of your hand not being stung when it is in the tank.

Happy Reefing!!!

[steve1s]

Pink with white tips is your garden variety bristleworm and detritus consumer.

The size of the worm may be alarming to us, but the simple fact is as long as they are finding food through regular sources they will cause absolutely no harm to your tank.
Removing the worm is not really necessary.

Cheers
Steve

[Jim Fritter]

I am willing to buy that as I have not seen any damage (except 2 holes in a Colt Coral that died). I can not tell if that is the cause or the effect.

What are the regular food sources and do I need to leave a little something for the big guy when I turn the lights off?

[steve1s]

Although the worms can fit into just about any small area, I'm willing to bet that's not your culprit unless the hole in the colt represets a similar diameter to the worm itself.

Regular food sources would be detritus, left over foods, moults and anything that could be decaying in the tank. They will also feed on some things within the rock. My guess is you already have what it needs and wouldn't worry to much. As long as there are regular additions of food for the fish and such, you are fretting over it for no real reason. :D

HTH
Cheers
Steve

[Jim Fritter]

Steve, thanks for the reply. I will leave it in there for now.

Final question on this topic. Is there a size where you feel it is necessary or appropriate to remove them.

Thank You

[steve1s]

That would depend mostly on tank size. As they get larger, bristle worms can actually begin to disturb smaller tanks. Unless they give you a solid reason to be removed I say they should stay. It is usually our aversion to their appearance that promts their removal rather than any harm they can do...

I saw a pic of one reefer that had pulled out one over 4 ft long. The tank owner did not even know it was there until the tank had been dismantled.

Cheers
Steve

[Jim Fritter]

I added a large orange mushroom colony rock to my 125. Last night while perusing with brew in hand I noticed a large new feature in my tank. Emerging from this colony rock was a section of bristle worm 3-4 Inches long and 1/2 in across. Ir was very part brightly colored and strikingly different looking that the common detritivore type.

It had grayish brown segments with bright red and white thick bristles.

Has anyone seen one like that before

[steve1s]

It had grayish brown segments with bright red and white thick bristles.

Has anyone seen one like that before

Could be a common bristleworm or possibley a fireworm. Have a look >>here (http://wetwebmedia.com/polychaetes.htm)<< and see what you find.

Cheers
Steve

[Jim Fritter]

Hermodice carunculata or bearded fireworm.

I do not have any SPS corals so will just watch it for a bit.