What in the

[Himes102]

 

[Maggie321]

Maybe a fireworm?

 

[Himes102]

Maybe a fireworm?

Bad?

 

[Carolinablur3]

Looks like a bristle worm

 

[Maggie321]

Bad?

Dunno. I've never had them. I think they are similar to bristle worms but have a much more painful bristle sting. Don't touch him.

 

[Zack K]

Bristle worm

 

[4FordFamily]

Looks like a bristleworm to me. Bearded fireworm have more patterning on them.

 

[Maggie321]

Looks like a bristleworm to me. Bearded fireworm have more patterning on them.

Thank you. I wasn't sure. I knew they were red, sing hurts more, and similar to bristle.

 

[4FordFamily]

Thank you. I wasn't sure. I knew they were red, sing hurts more, and similar to bristle.

They’re beautiful, it’s a shame they are are pests!

 

[Zack K]

They’re beautiful, it’s a shame they are are pests!

I didn’t realize how pretty they were! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Fudsey]

Yup, bristle worm

 

[Mikedawg]

I think bristle worms are good detritivores and add diversity to your tank, but probably don't want too many of them.

 

[Fudsey]

Mine were from some old rock in my old tank (10-15 YO) and were very bad. When I fed my fish they would come out by the dozens to feed.

 

[Dono1990]

I just noticed one in my polys when I was feeding my corals. Was unable to get him out of there with some tweezers. What is the best way too remove them from the tank. I have no fish just coral. I did a revive dip but he still never came out.

 

[nickman]

Bristle worms are a great part of a CUC. They can get to areas many of your more common critters (snails, hermits, brittle stars, etc.) cant reach. As long as there isn't an over-abundance of food in the system their numbers should not reach plague proportions. If I see common bristle worms (as opposed to fireworms) on a frag or rock I remove from the tank I will usually throw them out. I have never gone out of my way to remove them from the tank, however. A diverse system is good sign of a healthy one and I like to leave all non-invasive/coral pests in the tank.
That being said, I hate getting stung by these guys!