Spagetti Worm

[Mikeltee]

This has the same color as twine. It looks like my kids threw twine in the sump and this is where it landed. What is it? Should I remove it? I hope not as it's on the bottom rock of a 30" tank. 11 years with this tank and never seen anything like it. Thanks...

 

[Mikeltee]

No one wants to take a stab at this? Do I need a better pic?

 

[User1]

It did take me a bit to see it in the picture so yes, a better picture, if possible, may help others. I'm older though so don't count on me for 100% accuracy. It does look like it based on what I'm seeing and your description. I've provided a link below that may help. You can also search in Google and it will provide more images for you to direct compare.

Some hobbyists dislike them, some love them. They are a great indicator of nutrients in the tank as their population will balance around excess nutrients. High nutrients, larger population. Managed nutrients, lower. Most of the time they will be in the sand and rocks. You won't see the full body only arms. A few times you may see one floating around but nothing to worry about. I'm not aware of any fish that eat them but maybe a wrasse or copperband butterfly may. Please don't hold me to that since I have neither in my tank to confirm. I do, however, have the worms and let them be. They are really are a good part of the nutrient / clean up crew.

Spaghetti worm - CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science

creationwiki.org

 

[Mikeltee]

Thanks. I did google it but it seems thicker than what I saw and I do not see the worm attached to it. It hasn't moved overnight and yesterday when I was using my majano wand I brushed against it and it seemed like it was suctioned to the bottom of the rock.

 

[ScottR]

Looks like a type of macro algae

 

[Tahoe61]

And I think it's sponge. Hope some one can make a definitive ID.

 

[cloak]

+1 sponge