worm like creature

TheReefDiary · Nov 25, 2022

couldn't get a picture of it, but last night I saw what look liked the head of a feather duster pop out of my rockwork. I tried to grab it with tweezers but it retracted quickly and didn't come back out. only thing is it wasn't a feather duster, just looked like one.

anyone have ideas what it could be? going to have to keep an eye out to try and grab a pic.

Mikedawg · Nov 25, 2022

TheReefDiary said:
couldn't get a picture of it, but last night I saw what look liked the head of a feather duster pop out of my rockwork. I tried to grab it with tweezers but it retracted quickly and didn't come back out. only thing is it wasn't a feather duster, just looked like one.

anyone have ideas what it could be? going to have to keep an eye out to try and grab a pic.

How does it differ from a feather duster?

TheReefDiary · Nov 25, 2022

Mikedawg said:
How does it differ from a feather duster?

not as long feathers. they were shorter. i also don't see anything where the feather duster would be extending from.

AydenLincoln · Nov 25, 2022

Look up spaghetti worm…harmless detritus eater. Maybe that. If not you won’t get the right answer without a photo.

TheReefDiary · Nov 25, 2022

AydenLincoln said:
Look up spaghetti worm…harmless detritus eater. Maybe that. If not you won’t get the right answer without a photo.

it didn't come back out after I touched it with the tweezers.

JoJosReef · Nov 25, 2022

Was it many feathers or just 5ish straight antenna in a star shape? Eunice worms poke their heads out of holes in the rocks and retract extremely fast. You can see them most clearly at night using a red flashlight.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Nov 25, 2022

AydenLincoln said:
Look up spaghetti worm…harmless detritus eater. Maybe that. If not you won’t get the right answer without a photo.

The OP's description sounds nothing like spaghetti worms (or even hair worms)

TheReefDiary · Nov 25, 2022

JoJosReef said:
Was it many feathers or just 5ish straight antenna in a star shape? Eunice worms poke their heads out of holes in the rocks and retract extremely fast. You can see them most clearly at night using a red flashlight.

just looked up some worms and somewhat looked like the heat of a peanut worm.

Mikedawg · Nov 25, 2022

Like this? Peanut worm

TheReefDiary · Nov 25, 2022

Mikedawg said:
Like this? Peanut worm

yeah essentially looked like that. but someone also showed a boobit work and the heads look similar. if I had to guess the peanut worm looks closer to what I saw.