Bristle worm?

[bluecheese]

I just noticed this guy crawling on my rock. Is it a bristle worm? Or something else?

 

[Zoa.Mania]

Yes, it's a bristle worm
Be careful not to touch it with bare hands

 

[bluecheese]

This is my first invasive critter, so I'm not sure what I'm looking at as far as how much of a pest this is. Can I expect my tank to be eventually overrun by these things? Or will they live in balance and harmony with the rest of the tank? I say "they" because I assume that if I see one, then there are a lot more I'm not seeing.

 

[Mmbra]

Up for debate, but most feel that they are harmless detritivores. As previously mentioned, just be careful moving things around in the tank without gloves on or you could be poked by the bristles.

 

[bluecheese]

How painful are we talking here? Ant bite? Bee sting? The Box of Pain from Dune?

 

[Zoa.Mania]

This is my first invasive critter, so I'm not sure what I'm looking at as far as how much of a pest this is. Can I expect my tank to be eventually overrun by these things? Or will they live in balance and harmony with the rest of the tank? I say "they" because I assume that if I see one, then there are a lot more I'm not seeing.

Be sure there is more than one
The number will match the amount of food available for them in the system

How painful are we talking here? Ant bite? Bee sting? The Box of Pain from Dune?

Not much like a bee sting but pretty unpleasant. The thing is the area will itch for about a week

 

[bluecheese]

Be sure there is more than one
The number will match the amount of food available for them in the system

Thanks. I figured as much. Some quick googling seems to point towards these being mostly beneficial as long as they're not the dreaded Fireworm

Not much like a bee sting but pretty unpleasant. The thing is the area will itch for about a week

So I don't have to be worried about being the Kwisatz Haderach. Good to know.

 

[exnisstech]

How painful are we talking here? Ant bite? Bee sting? The Box of Pain from Dune?

I have a bunch but they are mostly in my sumps. As far as pain, it depends on whether your a sissy or not. Er I mean it depends on your pain tolerance I pick them up with my bare hands hands and haven't felt anything. IMO they are helpful and hurt nothing at all. Some people just have phobias and are scared of creepy crawlies, me not so much.

 

[blaxsun]

I just noticed this guy crawling on my rock. Is it a bristle worm? Or something else?

If it's red - make it dead.

 

[exnisstech]

If it's red - make it dead.

I'm no expert but looking at the legs sticking out of the side it does look more like a fire worm than a bristle worm. I'd pull it

 

[blaxsun]

I'm no expert but looking at the legs sticking out of the side it does look more like a fire worm than a bristle worm. I'd pull it

Yep, hence my comment (I suspect the lighting is throwing the color off).

 

[bluecheese]

I'm no expert but looking at the legs sticking out of the side it does look more like a fire worm than a bristle worm. I'd pull it

Ugh. When I saw him, he didn't look red. I'll keep and eye out though.