Bristle worm

[robharold]

Hello again,

I have read evertything I can find o the net about bristle/fire worms. However, I still don't have an answer for what I see in my tank. Is there any way to determine what kind of worm I have and whether or not it is good or bad? The one in my tank appears to be at least 1.5" long and a light pinkish orange color. I do not get to see him much b/c he runs when I turn on any light.
I do know that about the same time I noticed him I found 2 hermit crabs that appeared to be half eaten and removed from their shells. 1 on the first day and 1 the next. That concerns me the most.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mariner]

There are large bristle worms that are carnivores, but they'd have to be much larger than an inch or two to take out a hermit. I've got a very large (possibly several feet long) eunicid worm in my tank, and I haven't lost a hermit in two years. Most small bristle worms are beneficial.
FWIW,
Mariner

 

[robharold]

Why haven't you taken him out of there?

 

[HaKs310]

This should some it all up:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-04/rs/index.php

 

[Mariner]

Re: Bristle worm

Why haven't you taken him out of there?

lol, easier said than done!
Here's a thread where Steve Weast tells about catching his second eunicid; about halfway through it, I explain about not catching mine.
Mariner

 

[robharold]

I see. I guess if I want this thing out I will have to get him soon because he def hides in holes in the rock and would be very hard to get if I add more. I only have 4 pieces in there now.