Bristle Worms

Hi I'm new to this forum and to the salt water hobby. Its been about 2 and a half weeks. So far we have 2 green chromus's, our starter fish, 2 peppermint shrimp and 3 tiny crabs. Today I discovered another creature in my 36 gallon aquarium. I believe it is a Bristle worm. I found it interesting to watch it but my daughter is all freaked out and afraid that it will hurt the fish. It seems to be a controversal subject so I came to the experts to find out the truth about the bristle worm and what we should do, if anything. Thank you

 

It's a good thing. Just don't let it get too big. It's scary but it's beneficial.

 

Give it a silly sponge bob name and feed it.

Once she realizes that while not beautiful it's harmless and the garbage man of the tank she will probably be fine.

Welcome to 3reef.

I have an image of my huge bristle worm sharing the same burrow as my yellow watchman goby if that will help.

 

LOL That may help but the giant worm from sponge bob ate everything in sight haha. Can I ask you say not to let it get too big. Whats two big? What are the chances I have more than 1 in my tank. I just saw this one tonight.

 

I'm at about the same stage of cycling as you, and also recently discovered 'a big spiky beast' as my wife says. Saw it for the second time tonight, about 2" long.

Looking forward to what others have to say.

 

Their populations are self regulated by available food. Typically newly cycled tanks will develop a small population that will consume all uneaten food. Feed to much and the population will grow fast.

I have one that is like 5 years old and probably 2 1/2 feet long.

 

You said that you have a pic of your Goby and the bristle worm. That would be great! She is worried That it will hurt her shrimp, crabs, fish AND the Goby we are getting since it stays on the bottom and filters the sand. thank you again for your help

 

Hanging with the Goby and the Pistol Shrimp, this image is old.





The only issue I have had is the my very mean female Clown tried to chew it to bits. That was kind of ugly for the clown for about 3 days but she recovered.

 

You said you have had it for 5 years, what size tank do you have? Since you said the population is based on food. Does that mean they dont have to mate to breed? I'm sorry if that sounds stupid. Also if I have the 2 shrimp, 3 crabs and we were also told to get at least 1 cleaner shrimp. Will they cutdown on how much the bristle worm can find to eat?

 

Your bristle worm looks larger than mine. Thank you so much for the pics. My daughter looked on google and saw youtube video of one eating a fish, she freaked