Has anyone seen this organism before?

[Stephy A]

It poked out this the other day as well but longer. I went to grab it and it pulled it back in the shell. Now it’s poking out again. I always thought the shell was empty so my hermit crabs can grow into it but apparently not.https://share.icloud.com/photos/036kSOwBB4fQ7gGQMhBtKxopQ

 

[shwareefer]

I think it's just a bristle worm.

 

[SeaDøøby]

Don't grab it! It will prick at you.

 

[Sharkbait19]

+1 bristleworm
Harmless, it is just living in the shell, it isn’t attached or anything. If a hermit wants the shell it will take it.

 

[Sesty22]

your sand is so white! I wish..

 

[damsels are not mean]

Picture is blurry but that might be a young fireworm not a bristleworm. Those are bigger and meaner and not reef safe. Their sting hurts bad too.

Fireworm (bad):

Bristle worm (good):

 

[shwareefer]

Still going bristle.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Still going bristle.

+1
That’s how they’ve always looked when I’ve seen them.

 

[Stephy A]

Thank you guys! I will do some more research with the info you

I think it's just a bristle worm.

thank you! I’ve never seen one before!

 

[Stephy A]

I think it's just a bristle worm.

Thank you!

 

[Stephy A]

Don't grab it! It will prick at you.

Good call! I did have the temptation to other day to grab tweezers

 

[Stephy A]

your sand is so white! I wish..

I am still a newbie!

 

[HeyLookItsCaps]

Just a friendly bristleworm cleaning out the apartment for a new hermit tenant

 

[Stephy A]

+1 bristleworm
Harmless, it is just living in the shell, it isn’t attached or anything. If a hermit wants the shell it will take it.

Do you suggest removing it? Some articles are saying they can be bad

 

[Stephy A]

Just a friendly bristleworm cleaning out the apartment for a new hermit tenant

Do you think I should remove it?

 

[Rmckoy]

Do you think I should remove it?

No !

keep in mind their population and size depend on excess scraps .
Over feeding will only encourage them
To reproduce and grow to large lengths .

 

[damsels are not mean]

Do you think I should remove it?

If there's one there's many already. Great members of the cleanup crew.

 

[keatonmjenkins]

The only reason people think they are bad, is because they can sting you if you touch them without gloves.

 

[damsels are not mean]

The only reason people think they are bad, is because they can sting you if you touch them without gloves.

Fireworms are definitely bad (seems it isn't that though). They will eat coral and may go for sleeping fishes. I have tons of bristleworms in my tank and I have never been stung. I use gloves now but that's because my clownfish has gotten more aggressive over the years. I think they are important to have in the CUC for sure.

 

[Stephy A]

Fireworms are definitely bad (seems it isn't that though). They will eat coral and may go for sleeping fishes. I have tons of bristleworms in my tank and I have never been stung. I use gloves now but that's because my clownfish has gotten more aggressive over the years. I think they are important to have in the CUC for sure.

Good info! That is what I was reading!! I’ve never had a hitchhiker before since I’m still so new with my tank. I’ll keep watching it but with some videos of the differences I am def thinking regular ole bristleworm.