Fireworm?

CK00020 · Jan 3, 2022

Gtinnel · Jan 4, 2022

I don't think it is, but if you can get a close up picture of the head it would make a definite ID easier.

Also, when in doubt you're probably better off getting rid of it.

Fishy888 · Jan 4, 2022

Looks like a normal bristle worm to me.

attiland · Jan 4, 2022

+1 for bristle worm

Zoa_Fanatic · Jan 4, 2022

Doesn’t matter. Big = bad. Kill it with fire

CK00020 · Jan 4, 2022

I do believe it is a large fireworm hard to see the red and orange away from tank lighting. It’s flat, some of my other worms are more round. Now if I could just get the mantis I was trying to catch that would be great.

Fishy888 · Jan 4, 2022

Normal bristle worms are beneficial even when they are long. That said removing excess worms is a form of nutrient export. If it was a true fireworm or a Bobbitt worm I would be much more worried. It would be quite obvious. Fireworms are fire red with white bristles and Bobbit worms have fand like appendages. What you have is a beneficial bristle worm. They get blamed for eating fish and whatnot but they only eat dead or dying fish or inverts. Fireworms and Bobbitt worms can and will catch and eat healthy fish and inverts including coral. You have the good kind of bristle worm so no worries.

Aiptaisia anemone · Jan 4, 2022

It looks like a fireworm to me, it look exactly like the one in the book of invertebrates, according to the book they eat corals and probably fish, idk how it would eat a fish though.

G Santana · Jan 4, 2022

That is a handsome, fat and healthy bristle worm!!! I have a fat boy in my tank, I love to see him come out looking for scraps during feedings.

Fishy888 · Jan 4, 2022

There are some great videos on YouTube that compare good bristle worms to fire and Bobbit worms. There is a huge difference. Check them out.

Fishy888 · Jan 4, 2022

Oh and I have the exact same worms in my tank. Nothing has been killed or gone missing.

CK00020 · Jan 4, 2022

Ok thanks

Zoa_Fanatic · Jan 5, 2022

Fishy888 said:
Oh and I have the exact same worms in my tank. Nothing has been killed or gone missing.

Nothing has been killed or gone missing YET. I always caution people on these dudes. I have the same worms and no issues but mine are way smaller. My dad had some get huge that I thought were regular bristle worms too then his scooter blenny and chromis disappeared.