Strange Fan Worm Happenings

[Dr RBG]

Have had a "common" Fan Worm- Feather Duster for about 6 months it seemed happy occasionally retracting into its tube and coming out.

A few days ago I came home from work and my wife informed me the worm was hanging out of its tube. When I looked it was completely gone! I looked around the tank and found the whole thing laying on the sand, Feathers, and body, I thought it was a goner. But I was too tired to fish it out. The next morning it had crawled so the worm part was under a rock. That night it was completely out of sight.

Tonight I searched around with a flashlight and I found what I think is the worm
with what might be baby worms on it?? It's that or something eating the body.
Check out the picture and let me know what you think :eek1:

 

[thearsalan1]

That looks like aptasia, maybe the worm was running away from those within the tube


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[Anemone]

Could be aiptasia, but looks more like hydroids to me.

Kevin

 

[ramseynb]

could be aiptasia, but looks more like hydroids to me.

Kevin

+1

 

[thearsalan1]

True, too skinny and clumped together


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[homer1475]

Typically they crawl out of their tubes because there is something driving them out, or they do not like where they are(light current, etc).

They usually shed their crown, then crawl out of the tube. While they can survive a short time out of their tube, they typically die or get eaten when out of their tubes and completely defenseless.

And yes I would agree with hydroids.

 

[Dr RBG]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks Thats really what I felt. Here I thought I had new family members:hmm2:

 

[Dr RBG]

Should I remove it or let it be eaten?

 

[crawlerman]

they are hydroids, remove them

 

[homer1475]

The worm? free food for the CUC IMO.

Of course it may live and remake it's tube, but the couple I have had do this, usually end up getting eaten.