What should I do about these bristle worms???

[slowhand383]

I'm starting to think that the size of the bristle worms in my 12gal is getting out of hand. I saw one in a rock when adding a coral to my tank and decided to let him be. From what I here thier supposed to be very benificial to the tank scavaging any leftover foods and aerating the sand. Now when I turn off the powerheads and squirt some mysis over my lps, at least six bristleworms go bizerk looking for something to eat. I have 1 little goby and am worried he'll meet the same fate as the peppermint I once had. I assume the worms got him. Two of the worms are at 10" long. Being the tank is so small, should I take action and try to trap these guys? Here are two pictures. Perhaps someone knows if these are some mean dudes or nothing to really worry about.

Thanks for any help.

 

[DesertBandits]

mmmm arrowcrab dinner... but seriously, bristle worms will only eat things that are dead, they are strictly scavengers. Your shrimp probably died some other way. I don't infact know how old yours was but they only live about 3 years you know. Anyway, if you are having problems with them stealing from your lps the definately make a trap for them. 10in does seem a bit large for so small a tank.

 

[hookdonreefs]

I have tons of those in my 20 and have no problems. People make such a big deal about bristle worms they are good.

 

[pinkanemone]

you can put some meat in a piece of nylon and leave it in at night, thier lil bristles will get stuck in the nylon and it's easy to remove them... hth

 

[sherm71tank]

Those worms are there in those numbers and so large because they have been eating well. I would assume that you could cut back on feeding a bit.

 

[dwhit0102]

their great for your tank and like previously stated they are strictly scavengers.

 

[Thunil]

although some bristle worms are predators almost all of the ones we get in our tanks are scavengers. you're worms are probably fine but if you are nervous and they are taking food from you corals you could remove the bigger ones

 

[romunov]

I've observed them eating diatoms as well.