Do I need to kill this girthy monster

[accidental_reefer]

Hiya, there’s been an increase of little worms appearing in the tank. And the other day and this evening bigger than anything I’ve seen before. Is this a bristle worm? Is this something I need to smash with a spike or suck out of the tank?
For comparison, that snail is 2+ inches.

 

[TX_REEF]

Nope. Is it bothering anything in the tank? If not, enjoy the free (and mildly creepy) cleanup crew member.

 

[JGT]

Harmless bristleworm. Good CuC.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Hiya, there’s been an increase of little worms appearing in the tank. And the other day and this evening bigger than anything I’ve seen before. Is this a bristle worm? Is this something I need to smash with a spike or suck out of the tank?
For comparison, that snail is 2+ inches.

Lots of folks have bristleworms that are over a foot long. No need to worry about a small one like yours.

 

[Roatan Reef]

Was trimming some zoas, found this dude...

 

[exnisstech]

Was trimming some zoas, found this dude...

One of my little pets

 

[907_Reefer]

I pick a few out here and there when they get bigger, but great for CUC.

 

[Roatan Reef]

I pick a few out here and there when they get bigger, but great for CUC.

Yea, I tossed the dude In my above pic
..it was Yuuuuuge

 

[DJC]

Some people really hate them in their tank and set traps to get rid of them not sure why though

What are the disadvantages of keeping bristles thriving in your tank?

 

[Fishy888]

Some people really hate them in their tank and set traps to get rid of them not sure why though

What are the disadvantages of keeping bristles thriving in your tank?

It’s mainly because people are grossed out by them or they’ve heard the old wives’ tales of regular bristle worms catching and eating fish, inverts or corals.

Some are worried about fireworms and bobbit worms so any bristle worms are kill on sight to them. Of course if you see a real bobbit worm or fireworm then I’d be concerned. Thankfully the chances are quite slim that you have any.

Bristle worms are some of the best CUC members you can have. If you get a wrasse or have a wrasse, chances are good they’ll go for baby bristle worms so you’re worm population would be kept in check.

 

[kevgib67]

I purchased both bristle and spaghetti worms for my tank last June, I never see them. I’m hoping they are in there.

 

[Not_Erick]

They are great cuc, I’d personally keep it, but to each there own

 

[exnisstech]

I purchased both bristle and spaghetti worms for my tank last June, I never see them. I’m hoping they are in there.

I usually only see my spaghetti worms if I move a rock or stir sand.

What are the disadvantages of keeping bristles thriving in your tank?

No disadvantages that I'm aware of. I was looking at my oldest tank in the middle of the night a while back and there were bristle worms everywhere on the bottom. There had to be hundreds. I have them in my chaeto too.
Some people have phobias and are scared of them so they get a bad rap.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

One of my little pets

Watching you hold it bare-handed....... you're scaring me lol

 

[randomfishdude]

Oh I've got a massive one. Great plant eater.

 

[mdpitts]

Was trimming some zoas, found this dude...

GAH!!!! Wow! Did you keep it or is it a goner?

 

[Tired]

Large bristleworms are harmless, just a bit creepy. The presence of large and multiplying bristleworms may hint that you're overfeeding, though- they're eating something.

 

[1ocean]

do not hold them or touch them they can leave little spikes in your skin.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

Oh I've got a massive one. Great plant eater.

This photo is just going to get more and more chaotic as this year goes on, isn't it?

 

[randomfishdude]

This photo is just going to get more and more chaotic as this year goes on, isn't it?

Yea.
I might switch to a diffrent view so.i have more room