Please ID this worm

hillegom · #1 03-22-2010, 11:12 PM

Caught this ( I think a bristle worm) worm and wondering if this is the type that is bad. Its about 3 inches long. Something has been eating my sps after I feed them mysis shrimp broth.
Thanks

TJSlayer · #2 03-22-2010, 11:17 PM

I don't think it's a bristle worm, I have never seen one like that, probably suggest the toilet, but may wait for an ID

Madreefer · #3 03-22-2010, 11:36 PM

Looks like a bristle worm to me, but I'm no expert.

BlueWorldAquatic · #4 03-23-2010, 12:47 AM

Looks like a fire worm to me

http://www.ronshimek.com/annelids.html

Ken - BWA

NU-2reef · #5 03-23-2010, 12:50 AM

holy hell that thing is big. ya its a brisle worm. not a big issue when they are small but one that size is a hunter at night. sleeping fish beware

nlreefguy · #6 03-23-2010, 01:30 AM

well, it's only 3 inches long, the OP said. That's not particularly long for a bristle worm. I don't see any reason yet to conclude that it's harmful, but for a lot of people the strategy of choice is if you're not sure, flush it. Still haven't decided if that's more useful than harmful yet!

Fishward · #7 03-23-2010, 01:33 AM

ya, i really dont think thats a bristle worm. not sure what it IS though.. sorry for no help/..

nlreefguy · #8 03-23-2010, 02:08 AM

it most definitely is a polychaete of some type, only question is - what type? A more detailed picture of the head region would be most helpful for trying to distinguish between normal scavenger type bristle worms and a fireworm. It does have an unusual body shape.

hillegom · #9 03-23-2010, 05:10 AM

Thanks for all the help.
So far I think I will turf the guy. Will sleep on it.

Funky_Fish14 · #10 03-23-2010, 05:18 AM

Definitely NOT a 'traditional' bristle worm. Looks like it has two distinct eyespots on the head?

Does it have any antennae?