Collecting Tubeworms.

[PedriCronje]

Hi All,

I was wondering if any of you have more information for me regarding collecting tube worms. I've read that you can lift them gently from the rock that they are attached to. It this the only way? What would happen if you cut in against the rock? will you cut the worm and thus kill it?

Thanks in advance.

Pedri

 

[philter4]

What type of tube worms are you asking about? The soft tubes like the feather dusters, or hard tubes like a cocoa worm? I've collected both from the wild and moved them around in aquariums. First the soft tubed worms are easy, the tube will come up with some force, if the tube rips a little or the worm comes out it is OK as they will make a new tube.

On the hard tubed worms it is harder, if it is attached to rock you have to be very careful, if the tube breaks the worm will probably not survive. I have broken off the back tip of the tube and used marine epoxy to seal the end, but do not let air get into the tube, the worm can't get it out and it could kill him.

Either way I wouldn't cut the tube, good luck

 

[PedriCronje]

I'm refering to the soft ones like these:

 

[SethSPST]

I've collected numerous featherdusters. I use a putty knife and slowly work along the tube between the tube and rock from top to bottom. The bottom of the tube is a clearish yellow, and this is the part that most securely attached to the rock. Just be careful and take your time. Of the 10-12 I've removed for my personal use, I've yet to lose one. I'vve had them for 6 months+ in my tank.

 

[mga345]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12742966#post12742966 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SethSPST
I've collected numerous featherdusters. I use a putty knife and slowly work along the tube between the tube and rock from top to bottom. The bottom of the tube is a clearish yellow, and this is the part that most securely attached to the rock. Just be careful and take your time. Of the 10-12 I've removed for my personal use, I've yet to lose one. I'vve had them for 6 months+ in my tank.

Hi,

I have 2 featerdusters in my reef tank and I was wondering about the feeding of them.

Can they survive a few days until I get the special food? Do they need a special food?

 

[SethSPST]

If they are in a reef tank, they should be fine without target feeding. I've never fed mine.

 

[romunov]

They phytoplankton and floating detritus that is covered with bacteria. Most need all, but some manage on the latter.

 

[OAD]

If you do decide to target feed, keep in mind that their cilia pump water from behind the crown and forward (see here). Feed from behind and to the side of the crown towards the center.

 

[jack howe]

i know this doesnt really count as collecting, but a tube worm was present on a rock with a pulsing xenia that i purchased, and recently, tiny tube worms have bin appearing around the tank, on rocks, on the glass, on the heater, on the pumps, in the filter....

i was wondering how common this is... and what would be the best way to raise them...