Fireworm or bristleworm?

[the_chef_pierre]

Can someone help me ID if this larger worm is actually a fireworm? It appears bigger and different looking that some of the bristleworms I've been seeing in my tank. I've included a photo of the larger looking worm on it's own as well as the smaller bristleworms ive been seeing for comparison. Either way I'm still going to try to get them out of my tank soon lol

 

[ReQuackulous]

Bristle worm, and they can get HUGE

 

[the_chef_pierre]

Oh wow. Ok good to know. I was just getting paranoid that it could be a fireworm. still dont even know the difference though to be honest

 

[ReQuackulous]

Its most likely a bristleworm, they are very common in tanks. I didnt know i had any until I strained my livesand during a tank break down. Mine were white just like that one.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Bristle

 

[anthonygf]

Its most likely a bristleworm, they are very common in tanks. I didnt know i had any until I strained my livesand during a tank break down. Mine were white just like that one.

Fireworm is in the same family as Bristleworm

 

[the_chef_pierre]

Fireworm is in the same family as Bristleworm

So what is the main difference, because I've always heard that bristleworms can be good because they stir the sand but fireworms are bad and should be removed.

 

[reefer024]

They usually arent in the sand but within the crevices and small holes in the live rock. You probably have more than you know but they are a good addition to the cleaning crew since they go places others can't. This is one of many I'm sure is in my tank.

 

[the_chef_pierre]

Oh yeah mine are definitely in the rocks. That's usually where I see them pop out of

 

[anthonygf]

So what is the main difference, because I've always heard that bristleworms can be good because they stir the sand but fireworms are bad and should be removed.

I do not know but got this on Wikipedia; Amphinomidae, also known as the bristle worms or sea mice, are a family of marine polychaetes, many species of which bear chaetae mineralized with carbonate. The best-known amphinomids are the fireworms, which can cause great pain if their toxin-coated chaetae are touched or trodden on. Their relationship to other polychaete groups is somewhat poorly resolved.

 

[reefer024]

I do not know but got this on Wikipedia; Amphinomidae, also known as the bristle worms or sea mice, are a family of marine polychaetes, many species of which bear chaetae mineralized with carbonate. The best-known amphinomids are the fireworms, which can cause great pain if their toxin-coated chaetae are touched or trodden on. Their relationship to other polychaete groups is somewhat poorly resolved.

Ya don't touch them lol those spikes will hurt, that's if you even get a chance cause they are fast. Plus they break easily.