Bristleworm debate

[Blom]

Thanks for the reply, I kind of have the same feelings. Not to mention they are absolutely hideous in my view. Since last night I have either seen another fairly large one, that or the original guy is much longer than I thought. I think I will try and get rid of him/them. Any idea on the best route to go on this? Im thinking trying to trap him would be the "easiest" method. How have others had success on this.

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by Blom

Thanks for the reply, I kind of have the same feelings. Not to mention they are absolutely hideous in my view. Since last night I have either seen another fairly large one, that or the original guy is much longer than I thought. I think I will try and get rid of him/them. Any idea on the best route to go on this? Im thinking trying to trap him would be the "easiest" method. How have others had success on this.

The best way to get rid of them is with nylon stocking, wrap a piece of shrimp in the middle and leave it overnight. The little bristles that protects them will also be there demise, worms goes in but they dont come out.

[Wayne]

Originally Posted by Bblinks

The best way to get rid of them is with nylon stocking, wrap a piece of shrimp in the middle and leave it overnight. The little bristles that protects them will also be there demise, worms goes in but they dont come out.

+1 for trap idea. I personally would be happy never to see another bristle. I have allergic reactions to them when I get nailed by one. So now I trap, physically remove and I also have a 6 line and a Banded coral shrimp

[lastlight]

I caught a large one (7" or so) in a bottle when I was trying to catch my cleaner shrimp before a red bug treatment. I was going to default to removing it but couldn't think of a good reason to so back in he went. I foolishly tossed it onto my favia which was left with a ton of bristles I also see my royal gramma from time-to-time with a full beard of the things.

I'd toss one if I ever had the chance again.

[Cal_stir]

we have a 6 incher, scares the wife, she thinks it's a snake, mainly hangs out in the zoa garden, never bothers anything, excellent scavenger, keep it. the zoas where it hangs out are the healthiest zoas in our tank

[Blom]

Well I didnt get a chance last night to pull the worm out of the tank. Which is a shame because I woke up to a blue legged hermit crab torn to little bits.

[mike31154]

Is it possible to get a clearer photo? I'm probably wrong, but from the pic you posted it may not be a brislteworm, but a peanut worm. I've seen the odd bristleworm during the day in my system, have also seen my cleaner shrimp yank a small one & eat it. Since you mention you see these primarily at night is why I think it might be peanut worm. I see a number of these extend from their hole at night, more so than bristleworms. It that's what it turns out to be, they are definitely harmless.

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by Blom

Well I didnt get a chance last night to pull the worm out of the tank. Which is a shame because I woke up to a blue legged hermit crab torn to little bits.

You can almost certainly blame another hermit for that one I think.