Is this Hermodice carunculata?

[Achilles]

Hi Dr Ron

I have this fireworm in my tank for about two years.

I have seen it snacking on a dead fish carcass before but have not noticed it anywhere near any coral or gorgonian.

Can you confirm that this is a Hermodice carunculata?

Should I get rid of it?

Achilles

 

[rshimek]

Hi,

Gorgeous animal!

It doesn't look like H. carunculata to me, but I would need a good image of the head end to confirm that. Personally, I would leave it in the tank.

 

[Achilles]

Would this help? It's a closeup of the head & mouth.

Here's my fireworm lying stunned in my tank after a Salifert FW Exit treatment.

Any idea what affects bristleworms AND flatworms? My mini-brittlestars didn't look too good also.

 

[rshimek]

Hi,

It is not Hermodice. Actually, I don't know what species it is. I suspect it is a Pacific species of scavenger.

Regarding the Salifert product. Poisons are almost never very specific. Using it probably severely damages many of the beneficial animals in the system.

 

[Achilles]

Thank you, Dr Ron.