Type of worm, cucumber, or feather duster?

[MyLittleReef]

I did some tank moving a few weeks ago and stirred up sand and move rocks around. Now I think these are those worms that normally build tubes in the sand (not feather dusters) out of a mucus and sand combo, but moving the tank around has them hanging out on the rockwork. They seem perfectly content on the rocks, whatever they are and appear to just gobble up any debris that is near enough for their tentacles to reach. I also see what appear to be babies that drift around to look for a new spot now and then. And I’ve got different colored ones too, some are a dull purple with white speckles, most others are more clear than anything else. Tank is 8 years strong.

 

[DSC reef]

Looks like a medusa worm.

 

[ReefersDirect Verified Sponsor]

+1 on the medusa

 

[MyLittleReef]

Ah yep that’s it. They never showed their faces before the move and now I’ve got about a dozen out and about. Lol. Thanks!

 

[DSC reef]

Your very welcome

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

That's a cool looking Medusa worm. Of course not good for a reef. I'm sure you might find someone on here that might want it.

 

[Oldsalt01]

Why are they not good for a reef? I thought they were detritus eaters. I see them at my LFS and they're always scavenging in the sand.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Why are they not good for a reef? I thought they were detritus eaters. I see them at my LFS and they're always scavenging in the sand.

My bad, I was thinking of a different worm that's what I get for trying to chase my 2 year old around and respond to a post lol

 

[DSC reef]

I believe some can actually release toxins if they die or stressed, not sure if all medusa worms do and yes, they are scavengers.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Now that I have a second to sit down. Be careful of what you ad for tank mates with a Medusa worm. They can be vulnerable to things like hermit crabs that can eat through their soft tissue . Medusa Worms can secrete a toxin like many other sea cucumbers.