Feather Duster Worms

Question
Hi Glenn,
I just purchased three feather duster worms. They seem to be doing well, but this morning I noticed two of them releasing a white smokey cloud into the water. Is this harmful to my other aquarium life? Why do they do this? What is it exactly?
Thank you,T

Answer
Hi Terri,
Without a picture or knowing your water quality... I would guess this is either stress reaction or reproductive material. Both seem to have a stringy smoke look. What else is in their environment with them? Look for any stress factors, stinging from corals, fish or inverts harassing, feeding on them. Do they look healthy? If you find no stress and the worms crowns are intact and healthy it is probably reproductive material, spawning. Wont hurt a thing. Let me know how it goes.