Pest ID?

[jlabeaume]

I was at a frag swap today and I dipped everything I bought in coralrx. While I was placing everything in the rank I pulled a old frag plug that has been hiding in the back for awhile and tossed it in the bucket. I found this one the plug when I went to throw it away.

I'm not sure if it came of a frag I got today or out of my tank.

 

[Stevarino]

It just looks like a harmless bristle worm to me.

 

[billdogg]

Not just harmless, quite beneficial. That is one "pest" you want to have!

 

[xREEFINaintEZx]

Yep it's a bristle worm. He's one of the good guys. Gloves always. I've read they can sting you pretty good. In that situation pull out stingers and soak in vinegar.

 

[jlabeaume]

Thanks guys I was looking at pics and didn't think it was. It's a never ending learning process

 

[Ztous]

I got bristled once and I didn't like it I chuck them when I see them. I wouldn't rip my rockwork apart to get rid of em but I would rather have as few as possible. I was surprised when people online liked them they have a bad reputation with the LFS here for being a nuisance.

 

[Dogshowgrl]

I am torn on the beneficial part, yes they eat extra food, but they do cause a nasty welp (on most people)if you mess with them, hence the bristles. If you are over feeding your tank will be over run with them. They have their place in our eco systems, but not out numbering everything 10 to 1.

I am with Ztous. I don't go searching but if one is easy to toss, it's out. They do get huge, that gives me the creeps.

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[Grimreaperz]

I have 1 about 10 inchs long and another that is aboit 8 inches. In a 36 gallon. With 2 this big they keep the population down. I only see them after a feeding once everything settles at the bottom. They both share the same rock and venture out from time to time. I have never been stung yet as i mostly use tongs in my tank. And try to avoid them. I like them and it adds biodiversity to my tank. My wife hates them...i would keep at least 1-2 let it get pretty big and it will keep the others in check. If you dont like the looks of yhem in the DT put them in your fuge if you have one.

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[abIngenui]

I have an adversion to bristle worms despite knowing they are good scavengers. When I was a kid we had a tank and my younger brother would feed the tank when we weren't looking. We had bristle worms that were the diameter of a pencil and about 6 inches long. Stuff of nightmares. Broke down the tank, sun bleached the rock and started again. Now whenever we see big ones, we use a big pair of forceps to snag them just after lights out.

Whatever you do, don't over feed

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