ID and is it good or bad?

[ForEverOnTheRoad]

Hello. Can I get an ID on this little critter? Found it when cleaning my tank.

 

[OriginalUserName]

Pic no worky

 

[ForEverOnTheRoad]

Sorry

 

[Oldsalt01]

Bristle worm. One of the good guys for CUC. Clean up uneaten food and detritus. They can get big though. I've had them over 6" in some of my tanks. Don't handle with bare hands. Nasty little sting that will leave the "bristles" stuck in your skin. The only way I've found to get the bristles out is with duct tape (yes, I've been stung more than once, lol).

 

[OriginalUserName]

Is that a nudibranch chilling behind it?

 

[Halal Hotdog]

Bristle worm. One of the good guys for CUC. Clean up uneaten food and detritus. They can get big though. I've had them over 6" in some of my tanks. Don't handle with bare hands. Nasty little sting that will leave the "bristles" stuck in your skin. The only way I've found to get the bristles out is with duct tape (yes, I've been stung more than once, lol).

I have just left my finger in vinegar for 5 minutes and it felt like it dissolved away. Never tried the duct tape though

 

[Oldsalt01]

Is that a nudibranch chilling behind it?

Good eye OR! I thought it was just a piece of sand but looking at it closer I do see what could be the head of a nudi..... or, the head of a tiny 'cuke, or any number of other things. This is why I love/hate the hobby (mostly love). A surprise around every corner.

 

[ForEverOnTheRoad]

Thanks. Appreciate the ID!!

 

[OriginalUserName]

Good eye OR! I thought it was just a piece of sand but looking at it closer I do see what could be the head of a nudi..... or, the head of a tiny 'cuke, or any number of other things. This is why I love/hate the hobby (mostly love). A surprise around every corner.

Knock on wood I've never had them, but I think I'm so focused on looking for them and for AEFWs from all the pest horror stories. For some reason I couldn't keep either of my lettuce nudi branches alive so maybe my tank just isn't hospital for them. LOL.

Thanks. Appreciate the ID!!

Do you have zoas? Keep an eye out for most of those nudis. They can definitely be a problem.

 

[ForEverOnTheRoad]

I do have a few Zoa's. Is there anything I can do about them?

 

[OriginalUserName]

I do have a few Zoa's. Is there anything I can do about them?

I'm far from an expert in that area but if it's a zoa eating nudi branch the best option is to manually remove them and/or dip the corals. Keep an eye out for them eating your zoas and search around for some zoa expert opinions.

 

[Oldsalt01]

Don't panic about the nudi yet. I'm not convinced that's what that thing is. It could just be an odd piece of sand or even a beneficial critter like a sea cucumber. When I have doubt about something I watch for a while to see if it moves, and if it does, HOW it moves. I don't suppose you still have it isolated.

 

[ForEverOnTheRoad]

OldSalt01 I do not have it saved. I don’t think it moved. The only thing moving in the pail was the bristleworm. I am quite positive it was sand. But I will keep a watchful eye on the zoa’s

Thanks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

getting them is great BUT check now for nudibranch eggs. Just when you think youre rid of issue....along comes the babies!