Helicopter OR Worm (ID- pics)

[Vitaly]

Saw these guys hovering around in the tank after all the lights were off. They literally were "whirling" one end (I assume there hindend) around rapidly and lifting themselves through the water column in the tank.

Note the worm (there were several) is not on the glass...but actually moving throughout the tank.

Anybody ever see something like this?

Thanks!

 

[charlesr1958]

I would think its a reproductive swarmer as I dont know of any worm species that openly swim in the water column for any other purpose than to broadcast their spawn. To deterimine its species you would have to catch one and get very up close details of its head structures. I have a few such photos of swarmers within the worm section of my hitch hiker pages.



Chuck

 

[Vitaly]

Chuck,

I too was surprised to see a worm behaving this way. Unfortunately, I know little about worm biology and had not heard the term "swarmer" until now. I do not think I am going to catch these guys...but if I do and get good pics (I was pleased to just get a decent in tank pic)...I will post an update.

By the way, your website...AMAZING! I encourage everybody here to check it out.

Your tank and particularly the Gaimard Corris Wrasse...RIDICULOUS! One just arrived at my local LFS, but sadly it died a few days afterward. Very beautiful fish.

The catalogue you assembled is very impressive. You have been bookmarked...and I will be eagerly reading through your site.

Thanks again.

 

[charlesr1958]

Thanks! and I have to admit, it was a sad day for me to have to return the gaimard wrasse back to the ocean, but it was the right thing to do for it, well, that and I was kind of getting tired of picking up anything it found to be loose from off of the sandbed..lol Am really glad you enjoyed the site, and hopefully it can only get better as I find new critters to add.

Chuck