Bristleworm ID

[mikemathis555]

I’m still learning this hobby, and I’m like 99.9% sure this is a common bristleworm. However, figured I’d make sure.

this guy is harmless right? Any benefit to leaving him in the tank (I’m sure this will raise some sort of debate).

thanks!

 

[i cant think]

I’m still learning this hobby, and I’m like 99.9% sure this is a common bristleworm. However, figured I’d make sure.

this guy is harmless right? Any benefit to leaving him in the tank (I’m sure this will raise some sort of debate).

thanks!

To me that’s a fireworm, I have no idea if they’re like their close relatives though

 

[mikemathis555]

A few more pictures…hard to get a great shot with my iPhone.

 

[Gtinnel]

Looks like a regular bristleworm to me.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Bristleworm and fireworm are close relatives.
That looks like a bristle to me. Bristles are helpful detritovores.

 

[Gtinnel]

A few more pictures…hard to get a great shot with my iPhone.

I don't see a distinctive caruncle on the picture of its head so yep bristleworm. A bearded fireworm has a obvious caruncle on its head (red feathery looking thing). I think that's a Eurythoe complanata which is listed online as a fireworm, but it's not the unwanted bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata).

 

[Soren]

It looks like a regular bristleworm to me.

From what I've read, the most distinct way to verify identification is by comparing details on the head.
I'm a bit late, @Gtinnel already added better details on identification.

 

[mikemathis555]

So here is the big question…if it’s a bristleworm, do I put it back in my tank? I’m guessing this is a point of debate in the community.

I have a fairly small 13.5 Fluval tank, and I’m afraid this thing will grow too large. I have two easily spooked fish (Firefish and watchman goby) who primarily live in the rock. I also have plenty of snails who do an ample clean up job - especially on my detritus load.

 

[TnFishwater98]

Most young bristle worms have more of a red look as they get bigger the red is less noticeable and they are more peachy color

 

[TnFishwater98]

I’m still learning this hobby, and I’m like 99.9% sure this is a common bristleworm. However, figured I’d make sure.

this guy is harmless right? Any benefit to leaving him in the tank (I’m sure this will raise some sort of debate).

thanks!

To be safe I’d swirl it into da sewer

 

[Gtinnel]

It looks like a regular bristleworm to me.

From what I've read, the most distinct way to verify identification is by comparing details on the head.
I'm a bit late, @Gtinnel already added better details on identification.

I have unfortunately spent wayyy too much time staring at pictures of worms online since starting in this hobby.

 

[Gtinnel]

So here is the big question…if it’s a bristleworm, do I put it back in my tank?

You're right that it is heavily debated. If a regular bristle (which I'm almost positive it is) then since it came out of your tank there are almost certainly more in there. If in doubt the safe choice is to always throw it out.
If it were me I'd probably put it back.

 

[Soren]

So here is the big question…if it’s a bristleworm, do I put it back in my tank? I’m guessing this is a point of debate in the community.

I have a fairly small 13.5 Fluval tank, and I’m afraid this thing will grow too large. I have two easily spooked fish (Firefish and watchman goby) who primarily live in the rock. I also have plenty of snails who do an ample clean up job - especially on my detritus load.

It is a matter of debate, but, considering just a few days ago I spent half an hour picking bristleworms out of cyanobacteria and algae I was removing from the tank to add the bristleworms back into the tank, you know which side I am on.
I have heard of cases where bristleworms multiply to huge populations, but this seems to be a direct result to excessive nutrients due to over-feeding and/or over-stocking.

 

[Gtinnel]

It is a matter of debate, but, considering just a few days ago I spent half an hour picking bristleworms out of cyanobacteria and algae I was removing from the tank to add the bristleworms back into the tank, you know which side I am on.
I have heard of cases where bristleworms multiply to huge populations, but this seems to be a direct result to excessive nutrients due to over-feeding and/or over-stocking.

I used to have tons of them. When I'd broadcast feed reef roids they would crawl out of every hole in every rock and from the sandbed. It was amazing and creepy all at the same time. Since getting my wrasse I don't see them nearly as often. They do have a sanctuary in my sump in the refugium section where there are a lot of them. I just figure they help eat some of the stuff that's in the inch of so of mulm down there.

 

[mikemathis555]

The one thing I’m sure about is that I don’t have an urgent need for that one worm to be a part of my CUC. If it is a bristleworm, sounds like I probably have more of them in there anyway.

I’ll politely show it the door.

 

[Sharkbait19]

No problem putting it back in, but it won’t really make a difference.

 

[WheatToast]

You're right that it is heavily debated. If a regular bristle (which I'm almost positive it is) then since it came out of your tank there are almost certainly more in there. If in doubt the safe choice is to always throw it out.
If it were me I'd probably put it back.

Second! It’s probably a generic bristle worm.

 

[Zoa_Fanatic]

It’s not a bearded fireworm in my opinion but the bristles are super stark white for it to be a common bristle worm. It’s also very thick for a bristle. I’d say some type of fireworm but no the coral eating kind. If it was me I’d murder the crap outta that and any others like it