Strange Encounter!!!

[Tokyoyankee]

I moved a richora mushroom which is on a plug onto some rocks as to remove it from high flow and lighting last night. This was around 10pm as my moon lighting was kicking in. Roughly 30 mins past I suddenly saw the plug being pick up and pulled further inwards into the rocks. This obviously freaked me out a bit and I grabbed the plug to pull it away. I noticed a bit of a tug, similar to that when removing a snail. I couldn't see what it was but I can only assume that its a worm of some sorts. I moved the mushroom to another location as there was a bit of damage done to it. The worm was trying to eat the mushroom! Weird! :uhoh2:
Anyways, what could it have been. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[stingythingy45]

I'd get a flashlight and check that area out during lights out.It's could be anything.
But,I'm thinking a worm would not do that.More like a crab or even a Mantis shrimp.
I've had fish pick up and move frags as well.

 

[Tokyoyankee]

I had this mushroom frag for a least 3 months and the fish and shrimps never touch it. This happened only when I moved it to this one particular area. I did monitor this area and did see a shadow. I'm thinking its a worm because it recoiled back into the rocks.

 

[Cloudburst2000]

I'd get a flashlight and check that area out during lights out.It's could be anything.
But,I'm thinking a worm would not do that.More like a crab or even a Mantis shrimp.
I've had fish pick up and move frags as well.

Actually, it could be a worm. There are some bad worm hitchhikers in the marine hobby. Eucinid (bobbit) worms being one. These suckers can hide very well and can grow huge...several feet long. They will eat inverts (snails, crabs, coral) and when they get larger they will prey on fish too. That said it could also be a crab, mantis, etc, but a worm is definitely not out of the question.

 

[SweetTang]

It could be a pistol shrimp. Mine love to grab small frags and drag them under their rocks....

 

[Tokyoyankee]

No, my 2 shrimps were accountable at the time. When I tugged the frag disk away, the sensation was similar to that of when pulling a snail off your glass. I can see two small cracks or crevasses where whatever it was originated so that's why I'm thinking is some kind of worm. It had to recede back into it!

 

[MarkGP]

I was thinking pistol shrimp too.

 

[SushiGirl]

actually, it could be a worm. There are some bad worm hitchhikers in the marine hobby. Eucinid (bobbit) worms being one. These suckers can hide very well and can grow huge...several feet long. They will eat inverts (snails, crabs, coral) and when they get larger they will prey on fish too. That said it could also be a crab, mantis, etc, but a worm is definitely not out of the question.

+1

 

[Crkbaby]

It was Barry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc971vWUmbQ&feature=related
That was found as a hitchhiker in some guys reef tank btw

 

[Tokyoyankee]

Creepy worms!! How do you suggest removing it? Should I used the plastic soda bottle technique?

 

[Cloudburst2000]

If it is a eucinid worm, I think they can be tricky to catch. They are very fast and hide very well. I would do an internet search for eucinid (bobbit) worms and capturing them in aquariums. Hopefully, you don't have to remove all the live rock to catch whatever it is you have in the tank be it eucinid worm, mantis, pistol, etc.

 

[SushiGirl]

Correct spelling is Eunicid for your search. If you google "Eunicid worm trap" lots of links come up.

 

[Cloudburst2000]

Correct spelling is Eunicid for your search. If you google "Eunicid worm trap" lots of links come up.

Oops...sushi is right. I spelled it wrong

 

[SushiGirl]

I had to double-check before I posted LOL.

 

[Tokyoyankee]

Thanks everyone! Sushigirl, your an expert in this area so it's reassuring to hear from you. What do you think of pulling out the whole rock and dipping it in carbonated water? I'll have to observe that area at night with a red flashlight before moving forward to confirm that it is a worm.

 

[SushiGirl]

You can try that, just be ready to grab any good guys out real quick, would be a good 2 person job. Some have had good luck with that & some have had to break the rock open. When you look at night, put a good sized piece of food in the area then watch with your red flashlight. Something large like an algae pellet or hunk of shrimp would work. Put it where the frag was. If it's a crab, keep it out till you can ID it, but it sounds suspiciously like a worm.