Worm ID needed

[Coralhead2112]

We found this worm tonight in our three month old 72 G reef tank. The worm is roughly 3 inches and moves at the same speed as our nassarius snails. Any idea what it is, if it should be removed and if so, how?

Any advice/information would be most appreciated.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

LeslieH will be able to give you a positive ID. To me it looks like a nemertea worm.

 

[Kbreef]

Maybe you can find it here...

http://www.chucksaddiction.com/

 

[Coralhead2112]

Thanks Kbreef and Sugar Magnolia, that's helpful. I'm thinking it is a Nemertea worm. So I can just leave that in the tank and not worry?

 

[charlesr1958]

It does appear to be a Nemertea (aka ribbon worm) and if it were mine, I would remove it as they prey upon other life in the tank, reducing the tank's diversity.

Chuck

 

[Coralhead2112]

Thanks charlesr1958. It's living at the bottom of a rock pile and we only see it at night. How would you recommend removing it without pulling apart the tank? Are there traps?

If it's possible, we don't want to rip apart the rock pile as it's the home of our snowflake eel.

Thanks for your response and any additional information would be appreciated.

 

[charlesr1958]

Worms are very difficult to remove without disturbing the landscape and I doubt a trap would work as the Nemertea are not big scavengers, meaning that it would probably ignore any bait. I guess I would just wait for it to come out and try to pick it up if possible.

Chuck