Worm id

[SandJ]

I have this thin, long worm that lives in the sand along the front glass. I have never seen the end of it, but I know it is at least a foot long and maybe 1/16” across. It has black jaws that retract back into its mouth. I watched it use these jaws to pick up pieces of sand as it was extending its tunnel.

Is it an eunicid worm?

It extends the entire length of this tunnel.

You can see the black mouth parts in this picture.

And the mouth parts are retracted in this photo.

 

[Mikedawg]

Could well be. Here's a helpful reference: https://www.lionfishlair.com/hitchhikers-guide/polychaete-eunice/

I would trap it and remove

 

[Auto-pilot]

That's a crazy looking worm

 

[KJ]

Polychaete eunice.

 

[wesman42]

That's jacked up yo!

 

[SandJ]

I thought it may be a eucinid. I kinda wonder how big he is though We have grown fond of him so he will probably stay for now. I am upgrading to a 75 and a 235, so he can live in this tank

And it gives me an excuse to keep one more tank up and running

 

[KJ]

I have this thin, long worm that lives in the sand along the front glass. I have never seen the end of it, but I know it is at least a foot long and maybe 1/16” across. It has black jaws that retract back into its mouth. I watched it use these jaws to pick up pieces of sand as it was extending its tunnel.

Is it an eunicid worm?

It extends the entire length of this tunnel.

You can see the black mouth parts in this picture.

And the mouth parts are retracted in this photo.

Where do you live? Is it possible to get him out in one piece and send it to me? I would pay the shipping for you?

 

[SandJ]

Where do you live? Is it possible to get him out in one piece and send it to me? I woold pay the shipping for you?

I am in south east GA...I will probably keep him for now but if we ever decide to rehome him I can let you know.
I am always amazed at the awesome little creatures that are living in our tanks. If this was not along the front glass I would have never known it was in the tank.

 

[KJ]

I thought it may be a eucinid. I kinda wonder how big he is though We have grown fond of him so he will probably stay for now. I am upgrading to a 75 and a 235, so he can live in this tank

And it gives me an excuse to keep one more tank up and running

I am glad you decided to keep him alive and good luck

 

[KJ]

but if we ever decide to rehome him I can let you know.

Thank you.