Bristleworms and BTAs

[Zalman]

So I have what appears to be a healthy BTA. But recently I have noticed a rather large bristleworm (or what I think is one... It only comes out of an opening very close to my BTA. It is almost as wide as my pinky finger) hanging out near my BTA and my BTA is spending more and more time deflated. Should I be concerned? Should I attempt to remove it?

My BTA decided it was going to move away from the area. Only moved a few inches so far. Think this worm will keep following it?

Params:
Salinity 1.025
ammonia nitrate nitrite 0
ph 8.2-8.4
calc 420
phos 0
alk 10

 

[EdKruzel]

Even large bristleworms (>12''s) pose no threat and are good for your system. The have no mandibles and are incapable of biting; they suck down decaying flesh as scavengers. However you could possibly have a Bearded Fireworm. They are rare in the hobby generating mainly from the Atlantic/Caribbean area. The Bearded Fireworm will attack corals and anemones using strong digestive juices to melt away some flesh as a food source. Do a search for Hermodice carunculata and see if this resembles your worm. If you wish to trap it simply take a table shrimp and let it sit out over night to spoil. Next place it in a ladies nylon stocking (add a small stone if you need to weight it) and tie a string to it. Use enough nylon so that the shrimp uses less than a 3rd of the nylon, kind of like placing a basketball in a kitchen trash bag; still plenty of room. After the light go out, lower the nylon to the bottom of the tank where you observe it hiding. As it attempts to eat the shrimp its long white bristles will become entangled in the nylon. Use a net and scoop out in the morning. Should you accidentally be stung by a bristle, remain calm and allow to dry. Use a generous amount of elmers glue over the spines and allow to dry. As you peel the glue from your skin it removes the spines. If any smaller spines remain or if some break, soak in vinegar for 30mins or more to dissolve them. Being a toxin from the sea, run under the hottest water you can stand without scolding yourself for pain relief.

Good Luck...