spooked feather duster

[hawkey992]

Yesterday, one of my fish was boisterously swimming around and knocked the feather duster and I guess he was spooked because he shot right out if his tube (leathery kind). He's just hiding under the rock where he's adhered to but he'd not going back in to his tube. I'm worried, will he be okay? will he go back in to his old tube or possibly secrete a new one ? thanks in advance

 

[hawkey992]

okay, according to reefkeeping's article on said worms, they do secrete their tubes, but will he secrete a replacement, I'm worried he might die before he can

 

[shred5]

They can make a new tube. I have seen this a few times before.. Out of their tube they are vulnerable to be picked on or eaten though….. I have been able to place some back in their tube gently before too.

Dave

 

[hawkey992]

the poor guy is still attached to his base rock but out of the tube and I'd rather not forcefully pry him off the rock. The crown and body are fairly sheltered and all the fish are smaller than him and well fed. Do you know how long it will take him to secrete a new tube ?

 

[hawkey992]

I removed the old tube because it was blocking the crown, and when I put my hand near the worm, it withdrew into an inch long segment that's coated (or composed of, I can't tell) sediment particles. Most of the tentacles fit in there so he'll probably be safe, is this the beginning of his new tube ?

 

[LeslieH]

Yes, it is the beginning of a new tube. As long as nothing in the tank will try to pick at it the worm will be fine.

 

[hawkey992]

sweet, no body's shown any interest, and the worm's body is so positioned that the body is well concealed under some LR and only the crown emerges for the rockwork so I think he'll be safe

 

[lloydkeller]

if not eaten he will make a new tube in time I have had 1 do this but he became food for a crab