What is this I found in my tank
- Thread starter Urb
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Polychaete, aka Fire Worm.
Although they get quite large they are harmless ime. I have had many over the years, a rather large one that lived in the same burrow as my pistol shrimp and watchman goby.
Part of a clean up crew they will eat left over food that is inaccessible to other inverts and fish.
Population is controlled by the available food source, too many worms simply feed less.
While there are reported incidents of them eating fish and clams, this is silly. The worm was simply cleaning up a dead or dying animal. They are physically incapable of taking down a healthy fish.
Although they get quite large they are harmless ime. I have had many over the years, a rather large one that lived in the same burrow as my pistol shrimp and watchman goby.
Part of a clean up crew they will eat left over food that is inaccessible to other inverts and fish.
Population is controlled by the available food source, too many worms simply feed less.
While there are reported incidents of them eating fish and clams, this is silly. The worm was simply cleaning up a dead or dying animal. They are physically incapable of taking down a healthy fish.
Thanks for the response. I have lots of LPS coral in my tank would they harm that?Polychaete, aka Fire Worm.
Although they get quite large they are harmless ime. I have had many over the years, a rather large one that lived in the same burrow as my pistol shrimp and watchman goby.
Part of a clean up crew they will eat left over food that is inaccessible to other inverts and fish.
Population is controlled by the available food source, too many worms simply feed less.
While there are reported incidents of them eating fish and clams, this is silly. The worm was simply cleaning up a dead or dying animal. They are physically incapable of taking down a healthy fish.
No.
If a coral is already dying the worm will consume decaying tissue but they are not going to harm a healthy coral. If you're troubled by the worm there are natural predators such as Arrow Crabs that will eat these worms like candy and some fish types, but these creatures also come with their own issues.
If a coral is already dying the worm will consume decaying tissue but they are not going to harm a healthy coral. If you're troubled by the worm there are natural predators such as Arrow Crabs that will eat these worms like candy and some fish types, but these creatures also come with their own issues.
cristata.reef
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@Tahoe61 I agree I've never heard of them attacking fish or inverts in aquaria. I the bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) which is a common occurence in reef tanks is actually recorded to feed on plant/algae matter in the wild. Other ones have been known to be slightly predatory but even then, feeding on small inverts like amphipods and isopods. As for you @Urb just don't touch the worm with your hands. The white tufts of spines are no joke...
