Bristleworm, friend or foe?

[ronone10]

I have some live rock in a holding tub and by luck, a bristleworm came out to look around. I was able to remove it from the rock and now it has a private place all its own.

I did some searching on the net and it appears there are those who say leave it alone because it is a scavenger and it does more good than harm. The other side says it is a reef pest and should be removed.

What is the general concensus here?

Thanks.. Ron

 

[returnofsid]

There are many species of Bristleworms, in the hudreds or thousands. The majority of those species are beneficial in our reef tanks. There are a small few species that are harmful and those aren't found all that often. So, for the most part, bristeworms are friends....but don't pet them!! Even the ones that are beneficial to our reef tanks are harmful to your skin.

 

[luke33]

Yep, there good guys unless you touch one. Or unless its an Eunicid, which it likely isn't.

 

[ronone10]

Here is a mug shot, friend?

I took a photo of the bristleworm. The fuzzy guy is about 3" long. Can you tell from the photo if it is safe to keep?

Thanks, Ron

 

[returnofsid]

Looks like a common one found in most of our tanks.

 

[matts125]

I took a photo of the bristleworm. The fuzzy guy is about 3" long. Can you tell from the photo if it is safe to keep?

Thanks, Ron

My opinion about these bristle worms is;
how could our over-fed/ over populated reef tanks survive with out them?
these to me are a vital part in the biological process of our tanks.
a med-large population of these in a reef is like having 20+ brittle star fish on clean up duty!

Definately a friend!
just dont touch them...

Matt

 

[Ricko]

If you want to keep these bristle worms in your tank you might want to stay away from coral banded shrimp, mine ate all bristle worms and i haven't seen any in my tank for a couple of years. I think a few other things eat them too so might want to look into it.

 

[vinny2261]

Bristle worms are like earth worms in a reef tank. If you see a lot of babies it usually means you are feeding to much. If you are feeding corectly you will usually see just larger ones, which if you want you can remove with some tongs or something. If you pick it up the little fuzzy things will be a burning sensation until it disolves. It is like little calcium spikes in your skin, which cannot be removed like a splinter. As everyone else has said for the most part they are a good thing to help clean up excessive food or a death, by eating it before it pollutes? your tank. You can decide. There are Arrow Crabs which love them, there are a couple of different Trigger's and Wrasses that will also eat them. Have Fun and enjoy your ocean!!!!!
Vince