Injured bristle worm.

[colettem]

Hi. Posted this in the newbie section - suggested I move it here. I got some LR delivered today. In the bottom of the box is a large ? bristle worm that is injured - almost severed in two. My question is will it heal or should I sever it in two to make a clean break - would both ends regenerate or just the head end? You can just make out the wound in the photo

 

[colettem]

injured worm

injured worm

Further attempt at photo-it worked fine in the other forum!

 

[LeslieH]

I suggest you get rid of it completely. It appears to be Oenone fulgida which will eat every snail & clam in your tank.

 

[colettem]

Thanks very much - problem solved then! It does look like a potentially fatal injury and I don't really want an ammonia spike in the system.

 

[LeslieH]

It wouldn't die. First the worm would cast off the hind end then the front half would regenerate a new rear. Many worms can also regenerate head ends if the break occurs in certain body regions. I don't know if this one can so the rear portion might rot unless a fish or something gets to it first.