Black Spike worm

[Jmpaquin]

Hello!

I had this hitchhiker join my tank when it was cycling on a piece of live rock from the fish store. It comes out at night and seems to eat sand and then excrete it into a large pile as soon as I turn the lights on. Any ideas?

 

[duberii]

Looks like a cucumber- feeds on stuff in your sandbed. If you have a large tank then it can live and thrive but if it's in a smaller tank and you're not taking measures to feed it, then it will starve over time. In this case, I'd try to get rid of it because they release toxins that will kill tank inhabitants when they die.

 

[PghReef]

Agreed some species of sea cuke. Research their care so you know how best to keep it healthy.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Nice freebie! Where are you located incase you decide to remove it?

 

[Jmpaquin]

Agreed some species of sea cuke. Research their care so you know how best to keep it healthy.

I was just checking in on this and from what I read since he is growing and producing a lot of "Clean" sand castings he is doing ok. But you have to keep a close eye on them.

 

[Jmpaquin]

Nice freebie! Where are you located incase you decide to remove it?

I am in Vermont.

 

[duberii]

I've heard that you can take some type of food- particulate or meaty- and mix it into the sandbed as a way to feed them.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

I am in Vermont.

Wish you were closer! I have a sand bed that could use a critter like that

 

[king aiptasia]

nice cucumber

 

[king aiptasia]

if you ever worry for his health you can always put some sinking fish food pellets on the sand for him