[W124]

I was putting in some new coral today and I noticed by scooter nudging at a little cave like hole in a part of my live rock. I looked closer and I saw a worm that was, as far as I could tell, about 4 inches long . I have read all about how these worms can destroy a tank and I don't want to take any chances. Is there any way to catch these things. I already tried to reach in and grab the little booger, but it went in to a small hole in the rocks. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[WorkinMan]

Whatever you do, DO NOT try to grab a bristle worm with your bare hand! The bristles will come off in your fingers and will be pretty irritating. They call them fire worms for this reason.

[jvharding]

If you know where the worm is. Try removing that piece of live rock from the tank for a few hours. I have got alot of worms out of my tank this way. They leave the rock in search of water and sometimes they just die hanging in the rock and I pull them out. Never had any luck with traps!

[W124]

thanks for the advice. What exactly can these worms do to my tank? If it is not destructive, I may let it stay. BTW, I had a six line wrasse and it died about 5 months ago. Not sure if it was eating the worm population then. I have had the tank up for about 16 or so months and this is the first one I saw, in broad daylight too.

[jvharding]

I have read mixed reviews on these worms. My expierence was they feed on my corals. It's very expensive meal for worm not to mention they are ugly. You mentioned you seen it during the day well. I am guessing that you have alot more in your tank. Peppermint shrimps and anchor crabs eat them. Your 6 line wrasse was probably eating well. I have a dragon wrasse that would be having a field day in there! Not recomended for reef.

[W124]

Originally Posted by jvharding

I have read mixed reviews on these worms. My expierence was they feed on my corals. It's very expensive meal for worm not to mention they are ugly. You mentioned you seen it during the day well. I am guessing that you have alot more in your tank. Peppermint shrimps and anchor crabs eat them. Your 6 line wrasse was probably eating well. I have a dragon wrasse that would be having a field day in there! Not recomended for reef.

ok, I guess i will go pick up a shrimp. How will a peppermint shrimp do with my setup as detailed in my sig? I dont want one if it will mess with my coral or fish.

[jvharding]

Check this link:

Peppermint Shrimp - Lysmata wurdemanni

[jvharding]

Peppermint shrimp might find your colts tasty! probably better off with another 6 line wrasse.

[W124]

Originally Posted by jvharding

Peppermint shrimp might find your colts tasty! probably better off with another 6 line wrasse.

ok, not a problem. Its not like they are ugly fish. I would love to add another one to the tank.