Marine Worm Id

[betta fish]

Just fished this out of my display tank I've seen it a few times once climbing up the glass it's quite slow moving just over an inch when fully stretched but can constrict to a 1cm, it's a pinky orange colour with a black stripe down the middle and bright white bristles, just want to know if it is friend or foe 

 

[techen]

Bristleworm, Worth removing if you can.

 

[Chad]

I agree that it's a bristle worm. However, I have a different opinion about removing it. 
 
http/youtu.be/WHxIcPgrggY

There are some similar worms that are a problem but they are rare in the hobby. Here's a short article I wrote on bristle worms that shows the difference. 

 

[techen]

I've always heard in the marine side of them being pests rather than a benefit to the tank. 
 
But there ya go, I just don't like putting my hands in with those worms

 

[betta fish]

Thank you for the responses 

I have put it back, I very rarely fish around in the tank with bare hands so I doubt it'll be stinging me anytime soon and I guess it'll serve me right if it does!

 

[Chad]

But there ya go, I just don't like putting my hands in with those worms

Oh, that's for sure!
http/youtu.be/oEbuO9feTGM

 

[Lillefishy]

Bristleworms can be a good part of the cuc, as long as you don't overfeed they shouldn't become a problem.
I wouldn't want to touch one either but luckily I hardly ever see mine

 

[phoenix2081]

Bristle worms are good, i agree. Than god it wasnt a eunice worm. I definately wouldn't want to touch one of them buggers.

 

[Irisa]

I have heard that some bristle worms are good and some are bad etc... I have had a small salt tank set up for about 4 months and we just recently made a move and since the move I have seen a bristle worm in my tank.  My guess is he was there before and has just been irritated by the move and become more active.  I am not sure what type of bristle he is and as I am fairly new to salt I want to make sure I don't have something dangerous in my tank.  Another part of my concern comes from the fact that I had a sea hare in my tank that was strong and healthy and then it appeared to have received some kind of wound and died (it was not injured in the move I checked everything after) I have mushrooms and some hammers in the tank as well as a watchman goby and a few stomatella snails.
 
Pease Help!?!?
 

 

[Chad]

You can view the above post (#3) for an answer to your question bristle worms.
 
The worm would not be able to kill a healthy sea hare. The wound is probably from a rock or other sharp object in the tank like a broken shell. 

 

[Irisa]

Thanks, while the video was helpful it did not specifically answer my question so I asked, and watched again at your suggestion as well as the other video you posted... A third video was more helpful in answering my question though, but at least I am now more aware of the difference between the fire worms and other bristle worms.

 

[Chad]

It's pretty basic. Here's some more info on bristle worms with photos and links to other sources.