large worm

Question
I noticed large worm holes in the gravel of my salt water aquarium and I finally got a glimpse of a rather large worm at least 3 in...couldn't see either end. It was as large as a night crawler. Any ides what it is? Bad or good for aquarium?
Thanks Dave

Answer
Hello David,

I will need more info on what the worm looks like.  Please try to describe the color and the type of legs this thing has.

Some of the larger worms are called 'bristle worms' or fire worms, cause they STING when grabbed.  Not that anyone would want to grab an ugly looking thing like that, but usually when moving rocks, they will grab the rock and there is mr. bristle worm and there are his bristles in your hand!  NOT A GOOD DAY...

but other then the gross factor, they are good.  They will eat and get rid of everything that the snails and crabs dont get...

But they will get big, especially if you over feed tthe tank and there is left over food on the bottom where they can get to..

There is another worm that looks just like it, but the head is different.  If the head looks like it has antennae, or if it looks like a grasshopper head, (kind of), then it could be a eunacid, (spelling?) worm.


Those arent so reef safe.  But they really are rare, as they are looked for when picking and harvesting live rock.

Anyways, try searching for bristle worms, especially on YOUTUBE, there are quite a few nice vids on them.


Mr. Bill