Critter Id

[avgjoe]

Tonight I was picking a patch of bubble algae off my rock and discovery a large worm hiding behind the algae. It looks like some sort of bristle worm. I couldn’t see the length but it was about the width of a pencil, completely black in color except for white tipped quills that were individually distinguishable. I didn’t think much about it until I started poking around at the bubble algae again and this thing shoots an inch out of its hole, attacks the prongs and sprays a white liquid. Any ideas?

I'll try to get a picture if it shows itself again.

 

[Letmegrow]

Eunicid worm. Normally eats soft corals. Baddie.

 

[McBeck]

Blech! Thank goodness for tongs & gloves, eh?

 

[saltyunderground]

Watch out for your toes.

 

[dela]

Watch out for your toes.

:lol:

Yeah, try and keep your feet out of the tank!

 

[avgjoe]

After doing a google image search for Eunicid, this doesn't appear to be the same guy. Is there a friend/foe database where I can look through some pics (similar to the seaslugforum)?

 

[Shooter7]

Yeah, if he looks like the guy pictured in this article, he's pretty scary. :eek1:

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/enviro/EnviroRepublish_232818.htm

 

[inwall75]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7855608#post7855608 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by avgjoe
After doing a google image search for Eunicid, this doesn't appear to be the same guy. Is there a friend/foe database where I can look through some pics (similar to the seaslugforum)?

There are over 150 species of Eunicidae and their looks can vary wildly. However, the aggressiveness of the worm tends to point to a Eunicid like Letmegrow indicated.

Here's a good link http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-04/rs/index.php

 

[Letmegrow]

Thanks Curt,

I was too lazy to dig up a pick.
Classic picture, even a "good" looking worm, I would keep it. Death to softies !

 

[sage1970]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7859879#post7859879 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Letmegrow
Classic picture, even a "good" looking worm, I would keep it. Death to softies !

Hey...thats not nice...softies need love too!!! Not all of us are brave enough for sps!

And keep your minds out of the gutter!