Sea monster in my reef tank

[watchguy123]

Medusa worms don't have bristles.

Correct

Fireworms are red at the base of the bristle.

Uh, oh. Just read some don't have red at the base. Think I'm going on a sea monster hunt to remove this guy
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/5/short

 

[mtfish]

Does not look like a fireworm. If you do end up removing it try to get a good picture of the head. Could be a nice addition to your CUC or could be a fish eater.

 

[TheEngineer]

Here's a great article:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-04/rs/index.php

 

[Wiz]

That thing is awesome. I agree it does not appear to be a normal bristle worm because of the silver color. But I would not jump to conclusions about it being a problem. Better safe than sorry so if you Are not sure then I would pull. But it could be a great cleaner and I doubt that it would eat a fish without the fish being sick or hurt already. Just my opinion

 

[NanaReefer]

Polychaete - Eurythoe complanata. Caribbean Fire Worm. Watch them!

 

[Wiz]

After a little more research my guess is a common bristle worm

 

[TheEngineer]

Polychaete - Eurythoe complanata. Caribbean Fire Worm. Watch them!

What makes you able to say that with certainty?

 

[srad750c]

Get him out!! they eat corals, fish etc! Don't break in half, I have been told that the other half turns into another worm. And don't use your fingers, trust me I know.

 

[slapshot]

This is a monster in your tank!!!!

 

[sjflowerhorn]

That thing scared me and I'm on the other side of a screen separating us by several states I'm sure. It makes me think of all the times I separated the shipments of liverock with my bare hands and I cringe. It makes the hairs on my neck stand up.

 

[Wiz]

This is monster in your tank!!!!

Gosh I wish I could get one! Sooo cool! Would look awsome In my fuge

 

[saltnbees]

Looks like a bobbit worm to me,

 

[Wiz]

Yup cool

 

[saltnbees]

Found a 3+foot one in tank i got few week ago, one ugly sucker

 

[Naiad]

That is likely a normal bristle. In nature they get very large. Our systems just don't support it. I would pull it though if you can not get an id

 

[NanaReefer]

What makes you able to say that with certainty?

Just gotta know where to look. Does this satisfy you?

http://www.lionfishlair.com/hitchhiker.shtml

 

[schroedel]

There is a trap you can build with some PVC pipe two end caps pantyhose inside with food (I used scallops) drill a hole in the other end cap so it has a way to enter and a slit in the top side of the pipe to put a fishing line noose around the pantyhose lined pipe so when he enters the tube far enough you can poll the fishing line to close the pantyhose on him when he's entering the tube to get the food and then slowly get him the rest of the way out the rock work.I would post a link to the trap but unable too right now. There are better directions out there for this trap. I think it beats trying with tweezers

 

[nelson.jdautobody]

That thing is knar. I have had Bristol worms irritate my shrooms before but if I see them I make an effort to remove them on the spot. Most likely there will always be other ones you don't see but once they get that big I can't see how that is a benefit to your reef or its inhabitants. Get it out soon as possible, and I agree with those who say it doesn't look like a Bristol worm, similar maybe but never seen one that color.

 

[nelson.jdautobody]

Thanks, I was sitting on the couch relaxing and now I'm getting a flashlight and heading to my tank, lol.

 

[schroedel]

Oenone fulgida was the worm that I had that the trap worked very well on.. The problem with this worm is you cannot look at it with a regular light they move like lightning back into the rock. The only time you can see them is if the room and tank has been pitch black for awile and you look in with a red light... It is amazing what you see