Help ID Worms (Pics)

[Vitaly]

A colleague of mine is in the process of starting a tank. She purchased live rock from another reefer who was breaking down their system. While transfering the rock she saw these worms. The picture quality is not great, but can anybody indentify them...and comment on whether they are beneficial or deleterious to a reef system.

<B>Worm 1</B>

<B>Worm 2</B>

Thanks again...

Vitaly

 

[Sk8r]

Top one might be a tubeworm that's lost its tube.

Without seeing the head on #2, I don't know. It doesn't seem to have bristles. If you can catch it, get it out and put it in the sump, pending ID. SOme of the things that look a little like bristleworms and aren't (oenone/eunice worms) aren't good.

 

[musty baby]

Agree with sk8r, except that I'd say get that 2nd one out of your display immediately. Doesn't look like a good time. Try to get a photo of the head.

First one definitely looks like a tubeworm out of place.

 

[LeslieH]

Both are polychaetes. I'm kinda skeptical about the first one being a tubeworm as it doesn't look like anyone I've ever seen. It's just the body position that hides the long setae (= bristles) on one half. I suspect both are eunicids but without seeing the heads there's no way to be sure. Better pictures would be quite helpful.

 

[Vitaly]

Okay everyone...thanksfor the input. I will talk to my friend and get her to take some better pictures and post a new thread. The rock, and worms, is currently in a holding tank with heater and powerheads.

 

[anthamm93]

the first pic looks like a sea horse