Newbie question about stuff on Live Rock

Scubafrog · Sep 1, 2014

I just purchased 20lbs. of live rock from my LFS to put into my new 29G Biocube on Saturday (8/30). Today I noticed some life popping out of one rock and what appears to be a worm(s) living in another rock.

Can someone ID these items for me? Are they good or bad?

I am going to ask my LFS but it is Labor Day but I might be able to stop by late tomorrow before they close.

Sorry, phone pics aren't the best.

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

F430Lou · Sep 1, 2014

Hello scubafrog and welcome to the hobby. In the top pic it looks like you have a type of star polyp. This is a softy coral and is totally harmless. In the second pic that's a bristle worm. Some people say they're good and others bad. I personally do not mind having them in my tank. Not only will they eat a lot of unwanted food from the bottom of your tank but they also will eat anything that is dead. Shrimp, crabs and even fish. As long as you keep an eye on them and there not overpopulating they're no problem. I would considered these as freebies!

LetItReef · Sep 1, 2014

Bristle worm- if it gets bigger more than 5 inches I'd remove it

leocom2000 · Sep 1, 2014

Star polyps and on the second picture, I think is the leg of a star fish. Both are good.

Reef Junky150 · Sep 1, 2014

Second looks like legs of a sea star. Good supplement to your cuc.

Scubafrog · Sep 1, 2014

Thanks for all the replies. This is what I thought but wanted some reassurance.

I can't tell if there are multiple bristle worms or if it is some kinda of serpent because there are multiple legs coming out of the rock. Only on one small rock.