Worm ID please

[Aaron P]

Can anyone identify this 1 inch worm that didn’t appear to be harmful and was found at night swimming at the surface and down the corners of the tank. It can swim quickly and appears to have bristles. I have a video but it won’t post.

 

[Aaron P]

Here are some more pictures and he did not eat any of the left over flake food or attack the amphipod in the cup with him

 

[reef lover]

@KJ ????

 

[Bob agren]

That appears to be a bristle worm not good to have in a reef system!

 

[thetaggeffect]

I agree that it looks like a bristle, although the color is off. I would say that they are beneficial in the reef system, good detrivores.

 

[albyone]

That appears to be a bristle worm not good to have in a reef system!

Why do you say they are not good? I have seen the same type on my liferock last time i cleaned my tank but i couldnt catch it... i also thought it was a bristle worm. But the last one my pepperment shrimp ate was colorful

 

[Maritimer]

Bristle worms are fine, in moderation. (Don't let 'em clog your plumbing . . . )

Behaviour says that this is what's called an "epitoke" - it's a reproductive phase, IIRC. Noted for streaking through the water far faster than you'd ever imagine a worm could swim.

~Bruce

 

[KJ]

Agree with Bruce.

 

[reef lover]

Cool! I like learning something new!

 

[Aaron P]

Thank you for your help. I have never seen one of those before and it was really interesting to learn about.