ID help please: hydroids vs. tube worms

[H20Sidhe]

I have these tiny, fuzzy things growing out of firm, flexible tubes on the rock.

They completely retract into their tubes & the tubes look like this:

They do not look like any pic I've seen of hydroids. They resemble tube worms, but I haven't seen any other tube worm or pic that looks exactly like them. The tubes do not crumble like the ones in my sand. Does anyone know what these are?

 

[graveyardworm]

Those are hydroids.

 

[H20Sidhe]

Thanks David.
I've been getting stung, so I guess it's time to remove them. I understand that picking them off the rock is the best removal technique?

 

[graveyardworm]

Picking them off works, but I've found that they must be deep in the rocks and its sometimes difficult to get them completely. I've also had some luck with covering them with kalk paste.

When you pick them off you'll find that they are incredibly smelly.

 

[Sierra6]

I just tried the "torch" method of removal. Worked pretty well if you can lift the rock out of the water in order to put a match to them - also very rewarding to hear them sizzle, especially if you've been stung. Less devistating than the freshwater dip method I employed on another rock (and, yes, they are quite smelly). Take care of them before they spread!

 

[H20Sidhe]

Picked them off (you weren't kidding about the smell!) and kalk-pasted the rock where they used to be. Now it is time to watch & wait - just in case I have to go to round 2. Hopefully the problem is solved. Thanks for all your help.