I think this is a bristle worm. Good/bad?

[AC0DX]

So this worm from my nightmares came in on a piece of live rock I was given. Pretty sure it is not a fire worm. What is and is it okay to leave alone?

 

[Tahoe61]

Looks like a Caribbean Fire worm. Personally I would just leave it be.
https://www.lionfishlair.com/hitchhikers-guide/polychaete-eurythoe-complanata/

 

[AC0DX]

Looks like a Caribbean Fire worm. Personally I would just leave it be.
https://www.lionfishlair.com/hitchhikers-guide/polychaete-eurythoe-complanata/

So it won't harm anything except me if I try and pet it?

 

[Crabs McJones]

So it won't harm anything except me if I try and pet it?

Correct, however they love being petted. Don't neglect!

 

[AC0DX]

Correct, however they love being petted. Don't neglect!

It is cool as it stretches out of the live rock. It is got to be 5-6 inches long. I had a Peppermint Shrimp hitchhike on this rock also. So bonus for me I guess.

 

[SnapBackReeef]

I heard bristle worms are good and very beneficial to the aquarium. That one is pretty big and will hurt you if you get stung by those tiny fibers. If you don't touch it they are great members of the cleanup crew. I would keep the small ones but get rid of the really large ones like that!

 

[AC0DX]

I heard bristle worms are good and very beneficial to the aquarium. That one is pretty big and will hurt you if you get stung by those tiny fibers. If you don't touch it they are great members of the cleanup crew. I would keep the small ones but get rid of the really large ones like that!

Why would you get rid of a big one?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I heard bristle worms are good and very beneficial to the aquarium. That one is pretty big and will hurt you if you get stung by those tiny fibers. If you don't touch it they are great members of the cleanup crew. I would keep the small ones but get rid of the really large ones like that!

Misconceptions of fire/bristle worms abound throughout the forums. Fact is that they are highly beneficial CUC, eating detritus and uneaten foods. Size doesn't matter, as do their numbers. They "self regulate" their numbers by how much food is available and will starve out or reproduce accordingly.
If you broadcast feed your tank, they will help tremendously.

Now predatory worms are a different thing all together.

 

[GoPitt88]

Here’s mine. Can I bring it over for a play date? Haha!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Here’s mine. Can I bring it over for a play date? Haha!

You guys could pet your worms together!!

 

[GoPitt88]

 

[talh]

Don't want to completely take over this post, but read this post before posting my own. I figure we can kill 2 birds with one stone (or two worms with one post?).

I am pretty sure this is a common bristleworm (Polychaete - Linopherus) from reading on the Lionfishlair website. I kept it alive in a small cup of water. I actually have multiple of these worms in my tank. I even witnessed my new neon dottyback eat a small one the other night... that was interesting. He actually helped me find this big one, but he didn't attack it or eat it maybe because of this one's size. Fully extended I'm guessing it's 4" in length.

Should I put this back in my tank or dispose of it?

 

[talh]

Here's another picture of it that shows the color a little better.

 

[GoPitt88]

Don't want to completely take over this post, but read this post before posting my own. I figure we can kill 2 birds with one stone (or two worms with one post?).

I am pretty sure this is a common bristleworm (Polychaete - Linopherus) from reading on the Lionfishlair website. I kept it alive in a small cup of water. I actually have multiple of these worms in my tank. I even witnessed my new neon dottyback eat a small one the other night... that was interesting. He actually helped me find this big one, but he didn't attack it or eat it maybe because of this one's size. Fully extended I'm guessing it's 4" in length.

Should I put this back in my tank or dispose of it?

I’m thinking put him back, but I’d wait for a second opinion if I were you. I’ve only had my mixed reef for 2 years now, so I feel like I’m relatively new to the hobby and learning more and more every day. I’ve heard they are good and part of your CUC, but they sure are nasty looking! I guess this is a good example of the saying, you can’t judge a book by his cover.

 

[GoPitt88]

Anybody have a 2nd opinion?

 

[Phillyd1990]

Ive had them and havnt had any issues. If your concerned put him in the fuge

 

[FARMBOYREEF]

Anybody have a 2nd opinion?

It's really up to you. Some remove them, some keep them. Personally, I don't like them but they are beneficial so it really is up to you. You've gotten some good advice here that should help you decide which way you want to go.

 

[Mrx7899]

I leave them in never had a problem plus I think they are cool

 

[Saltwaterwannabe]

My wife thought they were creepy when I found bristle worms on a rock of mushrooms I recently picked up. I spent a few days researching them and agree they are a great part of a CUC. I chose to transfer mushrooms from the rock so the bristle worms stayed out of my tank for my wife's benefit. I do agree with the general consensus though, bristle worms are a great part of a CUC.

 

[AC0DX]

I think I will keep mine. But I do feel like he needs theme music every time he comes out. Suggestions?