Nightmare worm ID

[someguynamedG]

Its not your standard bristle or fireworm. It came in as a hitchhiker on some Tampa Bay Saltwater live rock I used to start my tank 8 months ago. Super active scavenger that is now too big to ignore, probably 24 inches, but I only see around 8-10 inches at a time. I'm kind of shocked he hasn't taken down any sleeping fish yet. I haven't seen him actively hunt anything, but the number of dead CUC scattered around makes him too suspect to live. I'm going to try and use a PVC trap on him later today, and I would love to know WTF he is before he no longer haunts my nightmares.

https://imgur.com/a/qMK1zlO

 

[wvned]

That is cool and I would set up a small tank just to keep it. I have no idea what it is.

 

[Uncle99]

Looks like bobbit worm to me.
If so, is predatory.
Bad guy.

 

[griss]

Bobbit Worm

Here’s a post by @Anemone talking about them. Given its appearance and the dead CUC, I’m pretty sure that’s what you have.

 

[griss]

Looks like bobbit worm to me.
If so, is predatory.

Jinx

 

[HumbleFish]

I believe that's some type of Eunicid worm.

Look here: Worm Hitch Hikers

 

[someguynamedG]

Looks like bobbit worm to me.
If so, is predatory.
Bad guy.

Yeah I'm mostly trying to figure out the specific type so I can determine its regeneration. Some polychaete worms can regrow their heads (though often without complex organs like eyes), while some can only regrow tails. If I don't need it out entirely whole, then I can lure it between some scissors and just lop it in half. I'm really doubtful I'll be able to get it out of a rock whole, without removing the entire rock and taking a hammer to it.

 

[HumbleFish]

Yeah I'm mostly trying to figure out the specific type so I can determine its regeneration. Some polychaete worms can regrow their heads (though often without complex organs like eyes), while some can only regrow tails. If I don't need it out entirely whole, then I can lure it between some scissors and just lop it in half. I'm really doubtful I'll be able to get it out of a rock whole, without removing the entire rock and taking a hammer to it.

Bait it

 

[someguynamedG]

Bait it

I did that, no dice. I tried the bristleworm 3D printed traps too. I'm going to try a PVC trap with a trapdoor I can close with fishing line so even if he doesn't go all the way in, I can still get him caught.

 

[Anemone]

Definitely a Bobbit. No bueno for your tank if you intend on keeping certain corals or snails.

The bottle trap is an effective method to draw the Bobbit out. Good luck!

Kevin

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Let us know if you catch it!!

 

[someguynamedG]

Let us know if you catch it!!

Bottle traps didn't work, he was long enough to get into and grab bait and stay attached to rock and pull himself out. I tried a PVC trap with a fishing line slip knot, was too fast and strong. Ended up breaking down half my aquascape to get to the rock he was hiding in (of course I shattered several small SPS colonies in the process). Put it over a bucket and he started to hang down to try and get to the water at the bottom of the bucket, still stayed attached to the rock. Took some needle nose pliers and pulled him out slowly. Between this guy, a mantis shrimp, dozens of whelks, half a dozen stone crabs, a couple gorilla crabs, and some other random swimming worms and isopods I think my Tampa Bay liverock might finally be predator free. I still hear a clicking occasionally, but I think its a pistol shrimp hidden away that I've never caught a glimpse of.



This guy was an absolute killing machine when it came to crabs and snails. My CUC might not need reinforcements ever month or two. The 9 month process is finally complete. Here it is in a 5 gallon bucket, 18ish inches and can stretch to at least twice that.

 

[griss]

Glad you got it out.

 

[Reefing102]

That’s awesome that it’s whole! While I’m not that guy, you might find someone interested in buying it off you

 

[Uncle99]

Well done!
He’s trouble, and thanks to your diligence, he’s gone!
Belongs in the sea that guy.