There's a worm in there!!!!

gemini9 · Sep 26, 2014

I was feeding my fish today and dropped a shrimp pellet in there as a treat for my hermits and then all of a sudden, this big long pink hairy worm stretched out of a rock and was feeling around where I dropped the pellet. After awhile, he disappeared back into the rock. He was about 3 or 4 inches long. From what I've read... I think it's a fireworm? Is that right? I duno but the sucker was after that shrimp pellet and I don't know how he got in there. He just came out of nowhere. So I'm wondering... is it a fireworm? Should I try to get it outta there? I know what rock he's in, but I've read you shouldn't touch them because it will sting you? Hmmm.... Will my hermits eat him? Will he eat my hermits? :sad: How is that big worm in that tiny little rock hole?

oh:

gemini9 · Sep 26, 2014

Looking at pictures of fireworms and bristle worms, he is about the same color, but it doesn't seem as hairy... his hairs are spread out more and looked more like tiny tentacles than hairs.. wish I had a pic but he's back in hiding....

LittleRed · Sep 26, 2014

We can't really help you without seeing it, we can speculate all we want based on your description, but until we see it we can't be sure... Sorry

gemini9 · Sep 27, 2014

Understandable. I wish I could get a picture of the thing but I haven't seen him before and I haven't seen him since. I have a tendency to move my rock often so maybe it's a good idea to wear latex gloves or something? I just put some sand in my tank last weekend so when I do a waterchange this weekend, I'll be moving some rock around. When I order new fish I will have to rearrange the rock because of my damsel. Are latex gloves safe for use in the aquarium to protect from stings, if in case, it IS a nasty stinging worm in there?