Bristle Worm Questions...

I know that BWs are an important part of my cleanup crew. I currently have a newly established 55g with a large serpent star and a Yellow Flanked Fairy Wrasse. the worms are a bit creepy for my liking, and I want them out. I have a couple footers (when stretched out. about 2 inches when scrunched.) an eunicid worm, etc. and I'm worried that they'll become nuisances when they grow. (the eunicid is already... : ) so here are my questions:

1. will they cause any harm to my other inhabitants? I know the eunicid will...

2. what animal will eat these worms that isn't very aggressive? I know that arrow crabs and CBS do, but anything else?

3. why are their bristles avoided so much? I know that they puncture, but are they venomous? who has had experience with being stung and what does it feel like?

TIA

 

dident really read the whole post to be honest but check out my "aiptasia sting" thread that has a little info on bristles actually i thought a big aiptasia anemone got me but in all seriousness a bristle worm messed my hand up there nasty little suckers that can easily piss you off they wont hurt anything other than you,there scavengers that eat only dead animals and snails but thats very rare and canidates to keep population down are wrasses chalk bass coral banded shrimp,from a weird guy i heard bumble snails? and reef leg hermits arrow crabs are nuclear strength bristle worm predators

 

I'm pretty sure the eunicid worm needs to get out of there....

Bristles are harmless. I know they are icky!!! But they do really help the tank. Also, as your tank ages, the population should decrease. If you keep your tank clean, and don't over feed, there isn't enough food for them and they die off.

Some people can be allergic to them. But their bristles do hurt. You will get red and swollen....ouch. Not good!

 

couldent have explained the bristle worm sting any better haha

 

thanks for the help. I guess I'll keep them around. do you know if the fish will eat small bristles? I heard that six-line wrasses do. would my Fairy Wrasse keep the population in check?

 

I've heard some fairy wrasses eat bristles. RedGambit's do. I've never seen mine eat a bristle, but that doesn't mean they don't!

 

Ew... The Flame and velvet love when I move coral .. They get a snack and are super stoked...

 

I've seen mine nip at one once. I'm not sure if it was out of interest, but I haven't seen him try since.