Ahhhhh Iv Got Worms! Help!

[stella!]

Hey all
The title kinda says it all, my lights were off and this worm thing came out! its not small about 6cm with what looks like alot of legs but there not legs if you get what i meen? i tryed to get a pici but it went into a hole. Does any one know a site that can give me ne info on the different types and if their dangerous?

Thanks Stella!

 

[sianeds]

Sounds like a bristle worm to me Good little critters, keep your tank clean. I wouldn't touch it though, the little buggers pack quite a punch.

 

[stella!]

okidokie hot ugly are they though! they wont harm my soon to be hermits will they?

 

[sianeds]

Nope they shouldn't do. Just be sure to wear gloves now you know they're in there. I got stung by one and it HURTS

 

[atmmachine816]

LOL I'v read about that on here, I bought gloves now, think you should too.

 

[Mr.September15]

What kind of gloves? I got the yellow kitchen ones and the disposable gloves.

 

[atmmachine816]

I got the ones at the grocery store with the extra padding, I don't remember the type atm but they turned out to be pink, didn't realize it. I think they should protect me, so says a guy who told me to buy them.

 

[stella!]

i best go lookin for some gloves then. do you know any fish or crab or anything will eat them?

 

[Mr Miagi]

i best go lookin for some gloves then. do you know any fish or crab or anything will eat them?

To answer the question being asked, ive heard reports (so not really a conclusive) CBS or Coral Banded Shrimp eat Bristle Worms. There is nothing wrong with them however, and if you protect yourself sufficiently, there is no issue. As Sianeds pointed out, they make a great addition to your Clean Up Crew. Even the addition of a CBS wouldn't remove them all, and theres more in your tank than what your seeing too!

Edit: As for reactions to being "bristled" some seem to have a worse reaction than others. Of the couple of times ive been stung, I only remember a faint itching, but no swelling/blisters.

 

[brittlestar]

Maybe use some plastic tongs (make sure the plastic is food grade though and won't degrade in saltwater) to try and catch it at night. Definitely wear gloves as said!

 

[rhysiboy]

for catching big fat juicy bristle worms get two plastic cups and cut a hole in the bottom of one. The other cup without a hole, put some medium grain sand (to weight it down) and tehn put a load of food in there. Put the cup with the hole ontop and cut down the edges so its not so tall. Lean it towards your LR and leave for like 4 hourse. Voila when you come back youll have a mixture of the crawlies. Also is quite kl as you get to see what really lives on your LR. Also the reason why this works is that the bristle worms find it difficult to find where they came in from and when they try to crawl up the sides of the cup, they cant grip on so they fall back down.

 

[stella!]

okidokie thanks for the lil tip i will have to try it

 

[atmmachine816]

I heard arrow crabs eat them.

 

[rhysiboy]

arrow crabs do but they can be expensive, un coral friendly and if you have a coral banded shrimp, food for them.