Bristle Worm of Doom

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by PackLeader, May 26, 2009.

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  1. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    So, for the past week or so, I have been having problems with some of my critters. First, my xenia seemed to be melting away. Then much to my dismay, the Maxima clams starting going as well. Also, some really nice Ric's really took a downwards spiral as well. I kept testing and testing, and just always ended up scratching my head as everything came out fine. Thought maybe it was the after effects of a mini cycle from my tank move, but that didn't make sense since they really started heading downhill after the cycle was cleared.
    And then today I saw it. A rogue bristle worm, munching away on everything. Here is some pics of it eating my xenia (you can also see how much damage this guy did).

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    The xenia and ricordeas will be fine I am sure. But I am not so sure about my maxima clams, which is really a bummer. The worm managed to tear their feet up pretty badly before I could even figure out what was going on.
    Let this be a lesson on bristle worms. I see time and time again that they are "no threat, even benificial". BS. This is the second time this has happened to me. So if you see them, get them out before something bad may happen.
     
    PackLeader, May 26, 2009
    PackLeader, May 26, 2009
    #1

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  2. Geoff

    Geoff Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Haven't had any bristleworms but if I do I'll be sure to get them out.Hope they're easier to catch the fish...lol. To bad about the clams.
     
    Geoff, May 26, 2009
    Geoff, May 26, 2009
    #2
  3. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
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    Bristle worms are harmless, its fireworms that munch on coral, which is what i think packleader has.

    Perhaps its time to get a temporary Arrow crab to get that worm?

    Ps, if you really want to see a moster bristle worm, this guy has one! And i don;t beleive its ever caused any damage

    http://www.3reef.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6532&ppuser=10645&sl=s
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2009
    phoenixhieghts, May 26, 2009
    phoenixhieghts, May 26, 2009
    #3
  4. iLLwiLL

    iLLwiLL Sailfin Tang

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    Central FL
    toss in sacrificial damsel, he will take care of business.

    ~Will.
     
    iLLwiLL, May 26, 2009
    iLLwiLL, May 26, 2009
    #4
  5. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    My guess in your scenario is: They were taking advantage of an opportunity as opportunistic feeders do. If I lived next door to you, I'd take it off your hands.;D
     
    missionsix, May 26, 2009
    missionsix, May 26, 2009
    #5
  6. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    Didn't you have one take out a clam also mission?
     
    PackLeader, May 26, 2009
    PackLeader, May 26, 2009
    #6

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  7. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    5dollars for a youtube video of you swallowing one pack.
     
    sostoudt, May 26, 2009
    sostoudt, May 26, 2009
    #7
  8. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    i will kick in 5 also. i will even convert it to american bucks. lol
     
    divott, May 26, 2009
    divott, May 26, 2009
    #8
  9. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Aye, yes I did. But, it was my laziness that resulted in an unhealthy/dieing clam that was taken care of by my cuc. I never did do any water tests to see what the actual problem was. Blaming the bristleworm was a much easier way to figure out what it was. I honestly don't know what happened. Since then, I started to pay closer attention to my bristleworms. If you really think about the design, they are not predatory built. Rather opportunistic. They come out at night, they move slow, they can't tackle and wrestle down large prey, they don't have teeth like a nurse shark that are designed for catching prey, they eat detritus, they have a defense mechanism relative to the above mentioned habits etc.................. And come to think of it, my bristlworm was actaully eating the clam during daylight hours. This also has me thinking the wrong guy was doing time for the crime. Acting as a scavenger that couldn't pass up a meal and putting itself at risk even during the day to take advantage of an opportunity for a meal.
     
    missionsix, May 26, 2009
    missionsix, May 26, 2009
    #9
  10. H2oTollerant

    H2oTollerant Plankton

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
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    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    We had the same problem in our 46gal with a Bristle Worm. We bought a Arrow Crab at the fish store, and never saw the little monster again. You need to get rid of it ASAP before it starts causing even more problems in your tank, some people say they are okay to have but in the end it's best to just get it out before they cause major damage.
     
    H2oTollerant, May 27, 2009
    H2oTollerant, May 27, 2009
    #10
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