Big Black Bristle worm... A murderer?

[NT Coral Keeper]

Yet another ID question.... I have recently lost 2 Pederson's anemone shrimp within 3 days. Since there are no other signs of trouble, I started looking for "hiders". I discovered a worm that has built a small lair in a cave under some rubble ( too deep and dark for a good pic). The first thing I noticed were four or five black and white striped tentacles poking out of the hole. They actually looked a lot like zebra hermit crab legs except smooth...roughly the same size. Today I saw the rest of the beast: a roughly 1/4 inch diameter, flattened tube, at least 4 inches long (although probably much longer) jet black segments with tufts of short black bristles coming out of either side each one. I know bristle worms can be beneficial, but have never seen a version with such substantial tentacles on its head. Anyone have a clue if this is a good guy or a bad guy?Meanwhile I will keep trying for pics!

 

[Markee]

I have no idea what this is, and I want to see what people say so I'm tagging along!

 

[TJL]

Well, hopefully Leslie will chime in on this one for us. My interest is peaked as to the identity of this Thing.

Cheers, Todd

 

[NT Coral Keeper]

Now Have a Pic

Well, after a tip on another forum, I got the idea that it might be a eucenid worm, and that these guys can occasionally munch zoas and corals, so after some searching online I decided to use the tried and true method of flushing him out of his hole with soda water. (Luckily I already knew what rock he was in, and it was a small removable one). I got him! Along with 4 other worms...one that was about 4 inches long and black, without tentacles, that looked like another eucenid, and a couple tan worms that were possibly bristles of other types? Anyhow, I have noticed a few retracted/damaged zoas and sympodium polyps. I have been assuming it was one of my hermits (one of my zebras is getting a bit big), but now I wonder if it was one of these guys? Also don't know if it ate my shrimps or someone else did? Please, if anyone knows more about this I would love to learn!


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[user 26995]

, those are just.....just..... just scarry!!! That black one looks like a devil worm.

 

[1guydude]

some evil bobbit worm!!!!! AHHHHHHHH
kool find though!

 

[NT Coral Keeper]

I definitely got the heebie jeebies while "hunting" for him! Now I just hope there are not dozens more!

 

[Chichas01]

if that little guy gives you the heebie jeebies, take a look at this: Oregonreef.com

 

[jrgilles]

that is horrifying. I'm pretty sure you want to flush that thing

 

[NT Coral Keeper]

if that little guy gives you the heebie jeebies, take a look at this: Oregonreef.com

I know! I came across that one while researching eunicids. Can you imagine that 6 foot monster in my 12 gal nano? My little 4-incher (that's how long he was stretched out to feed) did enough damage!

 

[Markee]

I scrolled down and literally jumped when I saw the picture. That thing is CREEEPY!

 

[user 26995]

if that little guy gives you the heebie jeebies, take a look at this: Oregonreef.com

I seriously got nauseous when I saw that thing! I dont EVER want to find something like that. Giving me he shivers.