I’m Stumped!

[Sherrya62]

This critter was on my sand bed this morning. I looked at pics of worms and nudibranch but I’m stumped. When I got it out of the tank I stupidly did not use a glove and now my hand itches. Ugh. So, what is it? Thanks

 

[Jekyl]

Chiton?

 

[Eagle_Steve]

That looks like part of a bristtleworm. Itchy hands is a giveaway as well.

if you have some duct tape or strong tape, place it gently over the area that touched it and lift straight up. This will help remove the little hairs that got stuck in your skin and will help the irritation.

 

[Sherrya62]

That looks like part of a bristtleworm. Itchy hands is a giveaway as well.

if you have some duct tape or strong tape, place it gently over the area that touched it and lift straight up. This will help remove the little hairs that got stuck in your skin and will help the irritation.

Thanks! It’s short and chubby so maybe a piece of one?

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Thanks! It’s short and chubby so maybe a piece of one?

Probably a piece. Some people do not like them, but to me they are a great part of the clean up crew. Their population is regulated by the amount of food they have available. So if you do not overfeed, the population stays small. If you overfeed and neglect maintenance, they can grow to become a pest.

 

[CMMorgan]

Looks like a chiton.