Is this a Medusa worm?

[themanthelegond]

I bought some chaetomorpha and I now see like ten or more of these guys on it. they range in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches. maybe a mm thick. Are they medusa worms? if so, i have them in a refugium where the chaeto tumbles. my concern would be that they go over the overflow of my refugium that dumps right into the return pump area. if they die will they nuke a 125 gallon tank?

 

[charlesr1958]

Yes, those are Synaptids, related to sea cucumbers and commonly called "medussa worms" although not a worm at all. They are detrivores and I highly doubt that one or a few going through a pump would harm that large a tank, but since I don't know if that particular species produces toxins or toxins powerfull enough to do any harm, I would play it safe and put a sponge filter/guard on the pump(s).

Chuck

 

[LeslieH]

Yes, they're small holothuroids. Not very toxic and at that size they won't do any damage to the tank if they die.

 

[themanthelegond]

very cool, thanks for the feedback!

Should I take one or two and throw them in the DT?

 

[Bongo Shrimp]

I guess if you're worried you could dip the cheato in freshwater to try and kill them.