Found this worm thing in my chaeto

[tdunmore2]

20190703_142307

• tdunmore2
• Jul 3, 2019

20190703_140202_001

• tdunmore2
• Jul 3, 2019

Was hoping someone could identify this. I found a bunch of them while trimming my chaeto. seems they like to bury down in to the denser areas. they dont appear to have any legs. Just that weird set of tentacles coming out of one side.

 

[HOOPDEEZ]

Perhaps a Medusa worm

 

[tdunmore2]

Looks like it! Is it best to keep or discard the chaeto and try again?

 

[watdachuck]

That thing looks cool, what is so bad about them?

 

[KJ]

Perhaps a Medusa worm

Agree!

 

[Mike.P]

That thing looks cool, what is so bad about them?

They're actually a type of cucumber, and quite beneficial. But... The risk factor with them is similar to that of a box fish; if they get attacked, threatened, etc., they'll secrete a very potent toxin, which can cook a tank pretty quickly, depending on water volume, and how much carbon is in the system. I personally wouldn't mess with it.

 

[Phycodurus]

also agree on the medusa worm ID ... these are soft-bodied sea cucumbers actually. this type is one of the smaller varieties. very good detritus eaters.

be wary of the large ones (8"-10"+), they are poisonous just like sea apples and can nuke a tank.

 

[Phycodurus]

aha ... i'm on the same wavelength as mike.

 

[Mike.P]

aha ... i'm on the same wavelength as mike.

Jinx!

 

[Phycodurus]

Jinx!

LOL! ;Joyful