Bristleworm attacked firefish. Help!

[Whiterabbitrage]

A couple days ago the purple firefish came out of his cave looking scruffy. I noticed some bristleworm spines sticking out of his skin. He didn't eat much. The next day it was worse; little guy was covered with spines. That day the Helfrichi also had some spines on him. They both look miserable. Am worried about secondary infection let alone the stress of being covered in painful spines. Also worried about them getting a spine in the eye next time and getting blinded.
Want those worms out of the tank.
Tried the pantyhose trick. Fail!
Tried a trap built of PVC. Fail!
Tried a trap built from soda bottle. Fail!
Tried traps from the LFS. Fail!
Tried an arrow crab. Fail !!!!
It's a war and my butt is getting kicked by creatures who have no brain.
Please, any help or suggestions!:headwallblue:

 

[TankStudy]

I've never had a bristleworm attack anything before and I've had some PRETTY large ones. If its aiming for your fish, why not use a hook and bait. 25 dry fly hook should be able to nail it if it is attacking your dartfish. However, you may need to remove the fish or you may end up hooking them lol.

 

[ca1ore]

Something doesn't add up! Ever seen bristleworms move around? Not the speediest of creatures, so not sure how one would 'attack' a fish. Perhaps they are simply trying to occupy the same nook in your tank? It's strange.

 

[Whiterabbitrage]

Well, yes, the firefish are bumping into the bristle worms. There are lots of caves in the tank but there are only two the firefish like to use. I've seen bristle worms come out of them and the pistol shrimp uses them too. Those caves are very popular.

 

[rssjsb]

My clowns routinely turn up with bristles on their snouts when they've got eggs to guard. It looks painful, but has never really caused a problem. As you've said, I'm guessing your firefish wasn't attacked so much as collided with a worm in the rocks. I would keep an eye on him, but wouldn't worry about it unless you see signs of a secondary infection.