Something in the live rock

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by wackyzman, May 9, 2012.

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  1. wackyzman

    wackyzman Astrea Snail

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    I turned over my live rock and noticed 2 things wrestling for a piece of krill. They appear to be pinkish or reddish spiny arms coming from within the hole of the rock. I thought at first it was a starfish but a closer look revealed that it is a single arm attached to the rock. Any Ideas? I attached a photo, i hope I did it right. Thanks
     

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  3. greysoul

    greysoul Stylophora

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    bristle worms...
     
  4. wackyzman

    wackyzman Astrea Snail

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    Are they ok to leave in there, or should I get rid of them? I know nothing about bristle worms. Thx.
     
  5. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Bristle worms are great! Wonderful part of a clean up crew. One of the best IMO. However one must be very very careful when putting hands in the tank. If by chance you come into contact they release their bristles into the skin-OUCH big time!
     
  6. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    I see 3 arms of a micro brittle stars. A lot of the time you can not see their bodies, they just hang out their arms for food.
     
  7. rglewis

    rglewis Flamingo Tongue

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    Looks like brittle stars to me as well
     
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  9. gwenkenzie

    gwenkenzie Plankton

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    worms

    I believe those are bristle worms. These vary widely and can display a range of different body forms. :)
     
  10. starfish2217

    starfish2217 Horrid Stonefish

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    I agree with corailline, It looks more like micro brittle star arms to me rather than bristle worms. Both are fine in your aquarium
     
  11. wackyzman

    wackyzman Astrea Snail

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    the arms on the right/upper right of picture is indeed my brittle star. The arms in the hole holding the piece of shrimp is the concern. wish the pic was clearer.
     
  12. wackyzman

    wackyzman Astrea Snail

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    thanks for the reply, do bristle worms get pretty big? they are real small right now. My firefish and scissortails sleep in that hole at night. they dont seem to be an issue.