What is this? Sand cocoons?

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Iodine dips, my nemesis. I feel like I'll do more harm than good as I might damage it further trying to get it out. Might feed it today to give it some energy/nutrients

My advice then is to leave it alone.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

Also @ISpeakForTheSeas @EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal got this on my favia rock, seen one in the past. Pretty sure it's a hair worm. Friend or foe? If the latter how do I kill it? Last time I had one I covered it with coral glue (alwyas my preffered execution method) though I want to know if it's necessary
(I am getting a china wrasse soon so he might take care of it) any positive ID?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Hey @ISpeakForTheSeas, sea spiders wouldn't make cocoons, right? Found some strands in the debris, can't tell if they're algae or sea spider legs

To my knowledge, no - so it's probably algae.

Anyway, do you have any idea what it was?

I'd guess a Eunicid worm species of some variety if it was inside the coral - Eunicids are noted as one of the major, non-colonial, macro-sized, coral-boring animal groups, and that would match up with the tentacles seen. Given that it's boring through the coral itself, yeah, removal would definitely be suggested.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Hair worms are your friends!!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

That said, I can't really tell if that's a hair worm or not. But most things that bury themselves and send out tentacles to feed are harmless. Maybe get a turkey baster (another necessity along with coral tongs) and put the critter in a small container of tank water... Then ID will be easier.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

To my knowledge, no - so it's probably algae.

I'd guess a Eunicid worm species of some variety if it was inside the coral - Eunicids are noted as one of the major, non-colonial, macro-sized, coral-boring animal groups, and that would match up with the tentacles seen. Given that it's boring through the coral itself, yeah, removal would definitely be suggested.

Did remove it! Coral glue is probably the best tool I have!

Hair worms are your friends!!

Got it!