Fireworm Friend or Foe

[greggj77]

Need help quick have an 6" fire worm coming out of live rock should I remove him or is he reef friendly?

 

[greggj77]

Help,

Newbie here.

I can still catch him is he safe to leave in the tank?

 

[fanaglethebagle]

6'' is when I would take it out, watch out for the bristles

 

[greggj77]

Thanks for the response.

Unfortunately, it has retreated back in the LR. I will wait till he comes back out and see if I can extract him with some tongs.

 

[hpfusion]

What is the shape and color, because it not be a bad type of worm

 

[fanaglethebagle]

I also think of bristle worms as safe.... untill they get longer than 4''

 

[TomD]

I really do not bother with any worms unless I see them or something is being harmed.

I have seen some good size worms at lights on and at night but nothing has ever been hurt.

If nothing is being harmed I look at it as a good scavenger.

 

[OceanGuy]

If it is white, it could possibly be a bristleworm that are detrivores and eat all of the waste and food that drops. They come out at night, but can be enticed with any food that has garlic in it. Don't touch the bristles if you take them out. They will swell up your fingers so that you can't move them. I have loads of bristleworms in the tank of several different sizes. They live in the rock and don't bother much.

The fireworms tend to be reddish on the bristles and are not good. Google images either bristleworm or fireworm and see the pictures

 

[seahorsedreams]

Oh what fun!

Stick your finger in vinegar to get rid of them.

 

[fanaglethebagle]

Nice...