Good bristleworms or bad?

[Shawna Solomon]

Are these the good bristleworms or bad? I have about a million of them in my tank. I've read some are bad and was curious about these guys.

 

[Hemmdog]

Those look fine.

 

[Shawna Solomon]

Those look fine.

Thank you.

 

[Fishy212]

Big difference if fireworms. They look similar. Try getting a coral banded shrimp to keep the population under control

 

[minus9]

I think they're an underrated part of your CUC and a true representation of the available food/detritus in your tank. If I find large ones, I usually relegate them to the sump.

 

[Shawna Solomon]

Big difference if fireworms. They look similar. Try getting a coral banded shrimp to keep the population under control

I thought so, these are half red half brown which is really noticeable on the larger ones. I've tried to siphon some out because there are so many but I haven't had any luck. I do have a copperband butterfly that I think I've read they would eat shrimp?

 

[minus9]

CBB would only go after smaller shrimp, if they do at all, but that depends on the size of the fish? If you're worried about having too many bristleworms, then something in the psuedochromis realm would be your best bet or an arrow crab, both of which could have issues with tank mates.
If you absolutely have to remove bristleworms, then a diy pantyhose trap is the easiest way.

 

[flyline]

From what I have read if you have a lot that means you have something going on as far as too much waste. There should be some they are good part of the clean up crew but not so much that you are seeing then every where

 

[vetteguy53081]

They’re safe, just Not welcomed in my tanks

 

[reef lover]

Heres a great pic of a fireworm and a normal bristle next to each other for future reference.

 

[DSC reef]

Those look like regular bristleworms. If you have a lot then you have food/detritus for them to eat. I would leave them personally as they are essentially cleaning available waste in the tank.