Is this a "bad" bristleworm?

[Kissfan79]

Hey guys...
I was able to get a pic of the bristleworms in my folks tank (I have seen 3 like this one). From the photos...can anyone ID this species to see if it is an undesireable species or if it is a harmless scavenger?

Thanks!

Jim

 

[Paintbug]

there is no way to tell the exact species from those pics, but it looks like a common Eurythoe sp. which are good guys. are they darker in the middle with orangeish tips? if so thats them.

 

[Cope]

I hope it's not bad cuz thats what all mine look like? I vote for good.

 

[LeslieH]

I think Paintbug is right - harmless Eurythoe,

 

[Kissfan79]

Thanks for the replies. Is this bristleworm (assuming it is the species you mentioned) one that would sting if you were to touch it?

Jim

 

[Cope]

yes

 

[Tylt33]

Your chances of getting a fireworm are extremely rare. Consider, however, that bristleworms can injure and even kill your fish. I almost lost two purple firefish because they were so badly covered in bristles from a bristleworm that they share a rock with. If one of your fish gets bristles in the lungs, eyes, mouth, etc., it could mean the death of your fish.

I also saw a healthy tang eat one at the LFS, and die a day after.

 

[Cope]

Do fish have lungs? Do you keep lung fish? My 6 line use to eat them like candy? I never saw any until getting rid of the 6 line, now the population is rebounding.

 

[danskim]

Maybe he meant gills instead of lungs. Probably would result in the same end.

 

[46FiatYamaha]

six lines do eat them as a part of their diet, I'm guessing they are immune to whatever poison or irritant the worms have

 

[LeslieH]

Tylt33 - Eurythoe & it's relatives are fireworms, all in the family Amphinomidae, so pretty much everyone with a tank has fireworms.

Cope -- these will sting but the pain is relative to how thick your skin is and if you're sensitive to anything that might be on the spines. My thin-skinned hands get swollen & inflamed if I handle them but some friends hardly feel the spines or have a reaction. It's always best to wear gloves when working in your tank anyway.

Bristle worms are delicacies for many fish & inverts; others won't touch them. Again, it's a matter of skin & sensitivity to the spines.

 

[Tylt33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11930049#post11930049 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LeslieH
Tylt33 - Eurythoe & it's relatives are fireworms, all in the family Amphinomidae, so pretty much everyone with a tank has fireworms.

Cope -- these will sting but the pain is relative to how thick your skin is and if you're sensitive to anything that might be on the spines. My thin-skinned hands get swollen & inflamed if I handle them but some friends hardly feel the spines or have a reaction. It's always best to wear gloves when working in your tank anyway.

Bristle worms are delicacies for many fish & inverts; others won't touch them. Again, it's a matter of skin & sensitivity to the spines.

Sorry, I was thinking of Pherecardia and Hermodice... the bigger, nastier, rarer species.

 

[Tylt33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11928704#post11928704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cope
Do fish have lungs? Do you keep lung fish? My 6 line use to eat them like candy? I never saw any until getting rid of the 6 line, now the population is rebounding.

My fish have lungs and gills, they're a special breed.

 

[Kissfan79]

Thanks for all the info guys.

Jim

 

[demonsp]

Sorry didnt read all threads . A few can be harmless but can grow large and multiply. In larger and more amounts food source can be the part thats dangerous. They could ,in time , go after bigger food sources.
And a really good reason for non powerder latex gloves. You would not want a bristle in your finger.