Is this a Fulgida worm? HELP!

[Heather42]

I have a newly established tank and I have been waking up to empty snail shells covered in slime and from my research, I have come to find out that I could possibly have an infestation of some of the worst worms. I have seen maybe 4 of them ranging from different sizes and colors. Some are more deep red and some are pink.

I snapped a high res image tonight. Can someone please let me know what their thoughts are? I am panicking that these are Fulgida worms that are super hard to get rid of.

Thanks!!!

 

[JaimeAdams]

Looks like a bobbit aka eunice worm. @Wiz would know and if it is a bobbit he would love for you to send it to him rather than killing it.

 

[TheEngineer]

Welcome to R2R @Heather42!

It does not look like a bobbit worm to me. They have straight segments and that one appears to have roundness to it (I don't know how to say that clearly it's early!).

When you see it move does it appear to walk on legs or are those bristles that are stationary? It really just looks like a bristle worm to me but without seeing the head it is harder to tell.

 

[erinmegan85]

That doesn't look like a bristle worm to me, but I'm of no help IDing what it actually is. That being said, keep an eye on your tank after lights out if you can. There is also a worm called a polyclad flatworm that preys on snails, clams, and small inverts. That is not what is in your picture though. I would do a quick Google search to read up on them. My snails began to disappear and this is what I ended up having in my tank. (Actually, it's still in there because I can't catch the darn thing) Leaving slime behind is what makes me think it might be a polyclad. Where did the rock come from? Was it a tank that was already established already?

 

[Wiz]

Always interrested. wish I could see the head.

 

[Wiz]

Oh and the body looks more bristle type. But the legs look thicker. And I don't see bristles.

 

[Maritimer]

+1 - I don't see any bristles either. A look at the worm's head would probably help a _lot_ with ID, but I'm going to guess that if it's not a bristle worm, it may very well be predatory, and an unwelcome sort of visitor.

@Lionfish Lair is usually pretty good at puzzling out hitchhikers like this guy . . .

~Bruce

 

[Heather42]

Hey all,

Thanks so much for the feedback. We do have a bristle worm in our tank but this has more lobulous appendages. We have a homemade trap that we are going to attempt (pvc, panty hose and fishing line). Anyone else have any luck with any other strategies or traps?

The only way we were able to take a picture was when the head was covered because the light makes it zip right back into the rock.

I will try to get a photo or at least a better look at the head. Images on the internet show a large varieties of colors and detail when searching for these worms so wanted to see if anyone might recognize it from personal experience.

 

[JTreef]

I got rid of a Eunice worm out of a friends tank. Used slime to stick together sand and shells. Would build those tunnels across open spaces to get to corals. Took a chunk out of a hammer coral.
Had to bust the rock it was in to get it

 

[Lionfish Lair]

What did you see that made you think Oenone fulgida? Did you see the "face" at all.

I'm kindda of leaning in the same direction as you, but I can't ID a worm from what is seen in the picture..... but I have a hunch you're right.

 

[Heather42]

The head is kinda just roundish. There aren't really any notable features to it. Just looks like a pain old worm on the top. It's so dang creepy. I want them GONE.

they have killed almost all of my little snails, a hermit or two, and an emerald crab.

I'm ready to just ditch the rock.

Can I soak it in RO for a few days to kill it? Or just let it dry out? Could that harm anything when I put the rock back? I really dont know what to do.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

The head is kinda just roundish.

This plus what I see in the picture makes me think you are certainly correct in the ID. How many have you seen? How much rock do you have? How big is your tank? What do you have in there, as far as fish, coral, etc.?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

http://www.coralreefmagazine.com/how-to-build-yourself-a-trap-for-the-infamous-oenone-fulgida/

 

[Heather42]

This plus what I see in the picture makes me think you are certainly correct in the ID. How many have you seen? How much rock do you have? How big is your tank? What do you have in there, as far as fish, coral, etc.?

I'm pretty sure I've see at least 3 or 4. Some are bright pink some are dark red/brown.

I have a 65 gallon tank with about 80lbs of live rock.

Only have pair of clowns, Duncan coral frag, fire shrimp, diamond goby and clean up crew so far. It's about a month old.

 

[Heather42]

http://www.coralreefmagazine.com/how-to-build-yourself-a-trap-for-the-infamous-oenone-fulgida/

That seems like a total pain! Haha.

 

[Maritimer]

So is the worm ... once trapped, though, the pain goes away . . .

~Bruce, wishing you swift success.

 

[Heather42]

So is the worm ... once trapped, though, the pain goes away . . .

~Bruce, wishing you swift success.

Thats very true. Thank you!!!

I will have to give this a try and see what happens. I just fear that I won't be able to get them all.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I've never had to fish one out, so I don't know how hard it will be. With that much rock, you won't be able to take it all out and dip it. I like to use a hypertonic solution as it usually gets things running, but doesn't kill them. If you ever get a picture of their face, PLEASE post it, as I would love to see it.

 

[Heather42]

I've never had to fish one out, so I don't know how hard it will be. With that much rock, you won't be able to take it all out and dip it. I like to use a hypertonic solution as it usually gets things running, but doesn't kill them. If you ever get a picture of their face, PLEASE post it, as I would love to see it.

They are only in 2 or 3 rocks actually.

What is the purpose of a hypertonic solution? Not really sure what that is.

I will certainly get a picture eventually!

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I mix up a solution of super salty water.