Poll: you decide fate of bristle worm

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Funky_Fish14

I dont see why everyone thinks the worm must be killed? Im sure many people would be interested in actually keeping a critter this big. I sure would.

'Kill it, its doing what nature intended!'...

[bigmac]

Thanks to all who have voted so far!
As I expected; there is a few differing opinions on this issue ( i knew there would be). I'll keep gathering votes for the next few days.

[Funky_Fish14]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Im saying its only acting naturally... why do humans have to kill everything?

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Funky_Fish14

Im saying its only acting naturally... why do humans have to kill everything?

If you honestly feel so much compassion for everything including a worm you're in the wrong hobby, just saying.

[edmfishguy]

this is funny, I was up at 4 this morning looking at a couple of bristle worm wondering what to do with them... I actully pulled two out of my tank that were trying to get into one of my snaills shells.... I've heard mixed opions about them.... some people say pull them out.. others say they are good... I picked up my 75 gal tank second hand. when I was setting it up there was over 60 that I pulled out because I was told they were bad... So is it a good Idea to keep a few in the tank..????


I'm a

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by edmfishguy

this is funny, I was up at 4 this morning looking at a couple of bristle worm wondering what to do with them... I actully pulled two out of my tank that were trying to get into one of my snaills shells.... I've heard mixed opions about them.... some people say pull them out.. others say they are good... I picked up my 75 gal tank second hand. when I was setting it up there was over 60 that I pulled out because I was told they were bad... So is it a good Idea to keep a few in the tank..????


I'm a

In moderation and normal numbers bristle worms are harmless, they can become pests if the population becomes overwhelming or extremely large in size but most tanks have them and actually benefit from them. They feed on left over food and detritus but will eat a dead fish which is why they often get labeled as killers but really they are harmless scavengers like most other worms. It's a good idea to protect clams by covering their foot with a flat shell or DIY epoxy cradle if populations are noticeable.

[Myka]

Normally I would say just leave it if it is indeed a plain ole bristleworm (they are good in reasonable numbers), but the size of this one would scare me. I would catch it and "be rid of it", whether that involves giving it away or w.h.y. I used to be a fan of "put it in the sump", but I have found that almost everything that goes into the sump eventually just makes it back to the display. Could just be the way my sump is designed though.

[untamed]

I can't believe that this would be the same critter most of us call a "Bristle worm". If it is the thickness of a finger, I would bet that it is a Eunicid worm. As someone already mentioned, Eunicid's are very distinctive because they have 5 large tentacles surrounding their head. They also tend to look more like centipedes, while bristleworms look more like fuzzy caterpillers. (no relation either way) Eunicids are also really fast, which probably contributes to why you haven't been able to get a picture.

Also, the evidence you have on giving it a death sentence is completely circumstancial. Fish die and you don't find the bodies. If you do find a body, the creature that is currently eating it probably didn't kill it.

I've kept many Eunicid worms over the years and never seen one do anything except eat scraps and vegetation.

I voted for leave it be, until you have some real evidence that it has to go.

[Funky_Fish14]

Originally Posted by sphelps

If you honestly feel so much compassion for everything including a worm you're in the wrong hobby, just saying.

Compassion for a worm? Try compassion for a purpose.

Lol. I have no problem with death of animals. I just dont see the poing in killing things because they are doing what they are meant to do. If you are going to use a live fish as a feeder for other fish, fine, its serving a purpose. I hunt. I dont go out and shoot deer just cause they are there. I do it to get outdoors, enjoy/learn about nature, and also 'collect' a foodsource for my family(We use almost everything but the head,(including bones) if we dont eat it, its dog food).

Cheers,

Chris

[bigmac]

Once I trap it; I'll take some more photos and measure how long it is. I have a feeling its huge!