What kind of worm is this?

[Runner]

I just found this slow-moving, thick, 4" worm under a rock in my tank. He is now floating in a bag in my sump for now. Since I am breaking down my tank, I'd like to know whether he is beneficial or not before I give him away or toss him. Any ideas?

 

[stevelkaneval]

its a bristle worm. keep it in the sump.

 

[stevelkaneval]

what did you use to get it out? and DO NOT touch it with your bare hands.

 

[cro55f1r3]

looks like a fire worm dont touch it. they do clean your tank but can get very big i have one thats in my tank which is about 7 inches or more which is kind of scary

 

[charlesr1958]

I consider such worms to be the unsung heros of any reef aquarium's clean up crew and would keep it where ever you have food settle out. For more information and photos, please see the relevant section of my hitch hiker pages.

A Hitch Hikers Guide to the Reefs

Chuck

 

[Runner]

I used to like worms, too, until I pulled this evil spawn out of my tank:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=887746

So I get jumpy with worms these days. I do have plenty of small bristle worms in my tank that do not bother me, though.

And I most definitely did not touch that worm. I've heard too many stories. See that will make me more careful when I go to break down my tank next week. No blind grabs into dark places...

 

[Neptunestar]

I have found two in my tank one is big and the other is quite small the large one doesn't come out all the way I notice them tonight eating on some raw shimp I had put in the tank, they are on the same rock should I get rid of them?, do they pose a threat?