Worm ID please

[ckuhndog77]

Found this worm in the 120 under a rock. What is it. Bristle of some snort?

Thanks for your help.

 

[discus010]

Can't clearly tell from the picture but it does look like a bristleworm.

 

[The steven liu]

Bristle worm for sure. If it isn't eating any of your prized specimens you should put him back, They are usually beneficial to your tank, help keep your sand bed clean.

 

[keithntracy]

Personally, I'd like something a litle more attractive to keep my sand clean...lol...

 

[venwu225]

I think its a Erythroe sp. Nice scavengers and shouldn't touch corals.

 

[White Tiger]

Judging by its dark red color, it is a fireworm. Fireworms at that size can actually be a threat to sea anemones and corals.

If it were a bristleworm, it would have a light red and or orange body color.

 

[XeniaMania]

Fireworm.

 

[LeslieH]

You're all right. Bristleworms and fireworms are common names for all of the big amphinomid polychaetes like Eurythoe complanata (usually reef safe), Hermodice carunculata (coral eater), and Pherecardia striata (usually safe). The one Craig caught is Eurythoe.

 

[XeniaMania]

When in doubt, throw it out I say...

 

[Fat Man]

Craig I would go with Leslie's ID here. I believe she has the proper pedigree for making the id. Given here id the only reason for getting rid of it would be aesthetics.

 

[ckuhndog77]

I'll see if I have any better pics in camera.

Did google on name provided

Found this which looks similar color variation: Hermodice carunculata

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2003/short.htm


Thanks for help!

Credit to article for photo linked

 

[LeslieH]

Hermodice carunculata is called the bearded fireworm because it has a big sensory organ at the anterior end. You can see it clearly in this image at http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/4171/hermiodice.jpg

Eurythoe has a much smaller sensory organ which isn't as obvious. Since I don't see any sign of the organ in your picture Craig I think it's Eurythoe.