Friend or Foe ID???

[fda483]

Found this guy tonight. Friend or Foe????

He is now in a cup do I put him back in the reef or flush him!!!

 

[Rookie07]

Never "flush" anything. You dont want non native species getting into your local waters. With that said, that looks like a bristleworm, which is reef safe (in reasonable numbers), so put it back in the tank.
Also, you do not want to touch it, as bristleworms will leave bristles in your hand/fingers (they hurt, but not life threatening/dangerous).

 

[fda483]

Never "flush" anything. You dont want non native species getting into your local waters. With that said, that looks like a bristleworm, which is reef safe (in reasonable numbers), so put it back in the tank.
Also, you do not want to touch it, as bristleworms will leave bristles in your hand/fingers (they hurt, but not life threatening/dangerous).

Thanks back he goes!!!

 

[peasofme]

best CUC ever

 

[Spork3245]

Never "flush" anything. You dont want non native species getting into your local waters.

But would a saltwater specimen even survive in freshwater for more than a few hours? Not saying it's "okay to flush", just curious.

 

[Calappidae]

But would a saltwater specimen even survive in freshwater for more than a few hours? Not saying it's "okay to flush", just curious.

It could flush into the ocean as well we don't know... and there is still some salt content in freshwater including ponds and it could be possible that it breeds and the offspring adapt to the new salinity, freshwater mollies don't live in the ocean and we are most certainly able to keep them in reef tanks if acclimated.

Its harmless, reef safe, but it may grow big and ugley so just watch out.. coral banded shrimp and arrow crabs are their main predators. If you change your mind and can't catch it.