Bristle Worm

I just found what looks like a Bristle Worm in the back of my tank. It is about 2 inches + long 3/8 wide. I don't know what kind it is. It hasn't come out in the front so I can't get a picture. Should I be concerned?

 

I got one or more too. it only comes out at night time. if I shine a flash light at it, then it will bolt back into the rocks. I've come to terms with it. A arrow crab would terminate them if your worried.

 

They are a beneficial part of the CUC imo. Until they get to be to big. Also thier population is in proportion to thier food supplie so the more they have to eat the more worms you'll have. I can tell you from experience that they love Ulva! I had a quart of it in my fuge and in less than a month it's been eaten down to almost nothing. So a creature that was once allowed to live in my system now gets turkey bastered out each time they venture to far from the rocks.

 

Thanks. It is staying in the back of the rock.

 

I'm pretty sure that there's a few fish and shrimp that will eat bristleworms, if they become a problem.

 

I have a decent amount in my tank and they are not bad. Unless they get to be the size of a small whale....then take them out.

Someone on here posted a video of two bristleworms that were friggin huge doing some kind of mating thing....it was freaky!

 

they are an important part or the ecology of your tank, don't remove it. If they do become to numerous you can get an Arrow crab, they will eat them most times. Problem is you have to stop feeding for a few days most time because if they are to well feed the will ignore them.

You can also use a water bottle trap or filter pad trap to cull some out.

 

I've got an absoloutely huge one in my tank. Never caused a problem tho, i just see it as part of the clean up crew!

 

I wouldn't be concerned unless it's able to get out of the tank. Some bristle worms are known to raid the 'fridge and watch bad late-night TV while you're asleep. They don't really have ears, so they turn the volume up REALLY loud so the can sense the vibrations.

If you have a liquor cabinet keep it locked up. the cops here pulled over a pair of drunk bristle worms last week after they robbed a gas station and hit an elderly lady in their escape attempt.

Also, no confirmation from any scientists, there are plenty of anecdotal stories of larger bristle worms eating small dogs, cats, birds, etc. I would suspect small children and perhaps polar bear cubs are also at risk.

...best off to just make sure they stay in your tank and don't get over 3 feet in length. Watch them for opposable thumbs, if you see them, remove them.

 

They are positively beneficial. If its a pink to orange color, with white bristles, its probably the very common Eurythoe species. Just be careful that you do not come in contact with their bristles. They can break off on your skin and the venom they contain could cause pain and /or skin irritation. Wear gloves.