Bird's Nest pest ID??

[JayChen]

I am noticing some pests on my bird's nest. Seems like they have two tentacles hanging out all day. And when I spooked them they just hide inside the holes of the coral. I've not seen any damage to the coral so far. Anyone knows what they are? Should I dip my coral again?

 

[ScottR]

Can you frag it and dip it and see if it comes out? Then can glue that piece back in.

 

[Phil D.]

Looks like a brittle star. It's beneficial. If it was a coral pest, birds nest would be toast.

 

[JayChen]

Looks like a brittle star. It's beneficial. If it was a coral pest, birds nest would be toast.

I got tons of mini brittle stars in my tank. But the tentacles on the bird's nest seem to be too small tho.

 

[JayChen]

Can you frag it and dip it and see if it comes out? Then can glue that piece back in.

I'll try this way if no one knows what it is.

 

[ScottR]

Reminds me of a spionid worm. But not sure.

 

[JayChen]

Reminds me of a spionid worm. But not sure.

I just Google it and the tentacles look very much alike.

 

[JayChen]

Reminds me of a spionid worm. But not sure.

Are they bad? I got about 10 of them.

 

[ScottR]

Are they bad? I got about 10 of them.

Not that I’m aware of. But if all of them are taking over lost polyps in your birdsnest, I’d be concerned about them. But on rocks, no.

 

[JayChen]

Not that I’m aware of. But if all of them are taking over lost polyps in your birdsnest, I’d be concerned about them. But on rocks, no.

Seems like they are only on the tip of some branches. I've had the coral for about a month and the coral is growing well so far.