Why is there a caterpillar in my tank

[New&no clue]

I saw this in my tank this morning? Does anyone know what it is?

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!
Look like Fireworm Remove them.

 

[Hermie]

be sure to use tongs or something and don't get stung by the needles

 

[Sod Buster]

Welcome to the group. Use tweezers/tongs. Bad worm, not a caterpillar.

 

[New&no clue]

Even though it’s gray and not red you still think fireworm?

Also he’s hiding in a hole in one of my rocks, is there a way to get him to come out so I can grab him, or should I just be on the lookout for him and ready to grab as soon as I see him?

 

[lapin]

You could try a turkey baster and suck it out. You need to be quick. They come out when they smell food.

 

[New&no clue]

Has anyone had success with traps? I’ve seen several videos on YouTube about that. I’ve also read to grab them when you feed, but I just started this tank and it’s cycling so I don’t have anything in that I’m feeding.

 

[Mike.P]

Has anyone had success with traps? I’ve seen several videos on YouTube about that. I’ve also read to grab them when you feed, but I just started this tank and it’s cycling so I don’t have anything in that I’m feeding.

You can throw a piece of shrimp in there, over by that rock... It should bring them out. You can get a red headlamp or flashlight, and watch for them after dark, that's when they like to come out. Then use a long set of tongs to grab them.

Then use fire. Lots of it. Like, full dracarys.

 

[cracker]

Welcome to R2 R ! above advice is all good . I like your caterpillar reference !

 

[Kamden Uelton]

Those Bristle Worms are harmless I have tons in my tank they are good detritivores

 

[Jon Fishman]

Those Bristle Worms are harmless I have tons in my tank they are good detritivores

I don't think that's what that is though.

 

[Kamden Uelton]

I don't think that's what that is though.

Bristle Worm,

Fire Worm

They look completely different

 

[Jon Fishman]

Good call.

 

[New&no clue]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I tried sucking it out, but couldn’t get it. I’ll go pick up some food and see if I can lure him out that way. Should I assume if there is one there is probably more? This tank has been cycling for 4weeks and this is the first time I’ve seen anything

 

[ScottR]

You can try taking the rock out if you’re unsuccessful (if no corals or anything are attached to it).

Then get creative once that rock is out

 

[ScottR]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I tried sucking it out, but couldn’t get it. I’ll go pick up some food and see if I can lure him out that way. Should I assume if there is one there is probably more? This tank has been cycling for 4weeks and this is the first time I’ve seen anything

There could definitely be more! And who knows what else. I’m assuming you bought live rock?

 

[Hemmdog]

Welcome to reef2reef! I’d just leave it, it’s not a fireworm.

 

[reef lover]

+1 common bristle nothing to worry about.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

I'm going to agree with @KJ . Fireworms don't have to be "red" I will post some pictures with examples of different types of fireworms.

 

[tehmadreefer]

It's just a bristle worm.....leave it