Big Worm with Pic

[NewSchool04]

I found this guy last night sneaking around my Crocea Clam. Wondering what to do with him. The worm is 4 - 5" long. He's in this container in my sump now.

 

[Bojan]

It is Bristleworm

 

[Bojan]

Coud be Hermodice carunculata Coral-eating fireworm.

 

[Pinksteel]

yeah, there usually not good for much exept hurting corals, i would not put it back in

 

[bertoni]

Bristleworms often wander around the tank at night. Was the animal feeding on the clam? A closeup of the head might help id the worm.

 

[LeslieH]

This is Pherecardia striata. It's not Hermodice carunculata although it's in the same family (family Amphinomidae). The normal diet is small worms & crustaceans AND the crown of thorns starfish. What's neat about it is how it works together with the harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta) to keep down the COT populations in the eastern Pacific & protects the coral reefs. The shrimp makes small cuts on the arms of the COT & feeds on the tissue. The worm then enters the body of the COT and feeds on the internal organs, killing the starfish. It won't hurt corals but it you have a starfish you value then maybe you shouldn't keep it.

 

[NewSchool04]

I have a fromia starfish I've had for about 8 months. I guess he's lucky to not run into this guy. I decided to plop him in the sump and have him clean up a little.