Worms

[pmorphb28]

I had a couple of these fellas after I set my tank up last year. Now they are everwhere of different sizes. What are they, are they dangerous, and will they coexist with my corals and fish? (It loaded the pics upside down, sorry) Thanks for the help. Clay

 

[joss.gamble]

Just bristle worms by the looks of it. Harmless unless something can fit in its mouth, so good for cleanup crew, etc

Word of warning, DONT touch the bristles, they are like fibreglass shards and can hurt like hell!

 

[pmorphb28]

Thanks for the reply and warning. My wife took a picture of this guy. He looks a little different then the others.

 

[joss.gamble]

I believe there are literally hundreds of sub species that come under the term of Bristle Worm, so it's common to get some that look slit lay different. I have some that are a similar colour in my tank, but I also have some that are more pale in colour. Never been a problem for me.

Some people just don't like the way they look, etc, so if you have a search there are some guides on how to make traps for these guys if you want to get rid of them. Personally I think they add a little interest to the tank and help keep the detritus down.