Hey anyone know what this centipede looking thing is?

Phlipper · Dec 30, 2019

I just saw this guy on a frag I’ve had in my tank for a while. It looks like a centipede.

LetItReef · Dec 30, 2019

Looks like a Bristleworm. I'd put a gloves

sixty_reefer · Dec 30, 2019

Bristled worm, don’t touch the bristles.

Phlipper · Dec 30, 2019

LetItReef said:
Looks like a Bristleworm. I'd put a gloves

Is it dangerous too my marine life?

James M · Dec 30, 2019

Phlipper said:
Is it dangerous too my marine life?

No. They are great clean up crew

Meldrath · Dec 30, 2019

Phlipper said:
Is it dangerous too my marine life?

No it just burns like hell if you touch them. They are excellent at cleaning up detritus and such.

LetItReef · Dec 30, 2019

Phlipper said:
Is it dangerous too my marine life?

I have it in my tank and does not harm my livestock.

WVNed · Dec 30, 2019

Phlipper said:
Is it dangerous too my marine life?

No, it is part of your marine life. There are many thing in a reef tank you shouldn't touch with bare hands.
Some will bite, some will sting with venom and some are just sharp and can stab you.
I have a long spine urchin and got poked pretty good the other day. Always wash and disinfect a wound just to be safe.
Bristleworm hairs stick in you skin like fiberglass and hurt about like that until you remove them.

Squidward · Dec 30, 2019

I'd get rid of it. Yes it's a good part of the CUC but once they multiply good luck.

WVNed · Dec 30, 2019

Squidward said:
I'd get rid of it. Yes it's a good part of the CUC but once they multiply good luck.

For every big one you see there are 50 little ones you don't.

Euphyllia97 · Dec 30, 2019

As you have no previous experience with brittle worms. This one is indeed a normal one which is beneficial to have. Like the others mentioned, it will hurt when you touch it... Anyway I’m quite surprised no one informed you that there definitely are bad brittle worms that can look like regular ones. They can grow quite big and even kill smaller fish... (Example fireworm)

Again, to be clear, the one in the picture will do no harm!

WVNed · Dec 30, 2019

Put a bit of food in your tank at night after the tank and room have been dark for a while, something that sinks. Wait a minute and then look quickly with a flashlight.