Worm ID on Blue Maxima Clam

[craigcrosley]

What kind of worm is this?

It created a spiralling tube on side of clam, has two short antenae and creates a thread that extends up into the water column to catch food. It will then draw it back in as to eat it. At times, due to water current, the thread will appear to be web-like over the mantle of the clam.

Does this worm need to be removed or will it peacefully coexist with the clam?

 

[Skipper]

Looks like a vermitid worm. Dr. Ron has an article about them in the current issue of Reefkeeping Magazine here:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rs/index.htm

It will most likely be ok with the clam.

 

[craigcrosley]

Skipper, thanks for the id.