Bristle Worm Help!!
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URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35164
Printed Date: December 27 2025 at 2:02pm
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Topic: Bristle Worm Help!!
Posted By: Zeldalink640
Subject: Bristle Worm Help!!
Date Posted: September 12 2009 at 4:18pm
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I have been reading up and researching bristle worms and fire worms because my 55gal has one or the other. I'm finding a lot of information on both, and from my understanding, bristle worms are not bad if kept under control, but fireworms are not so much good! The only problem Im having is identifying the two. From pics I find online, I read that one pic is the harmless bristle worm...then I see the same pic with someone calling it a fire worm. The worms I have found in my tank and have set traps to remove are pink fleshy color on the end with black in the middle...bristle worm or fire worm?? Any help, info or pics would be greatly grealy appreciated!! Thanks All!! Rob ------------- Thanks, Rob |
Replies:
Posted By: TriggerHappy
Date Posted: September 12 2009 at 5:02pm
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Welcome Zeldalink640! Please post up a picture of the head of what you think may be a fireworm. I had one and I'm pretty sure I might be able to help identify it.
------------- 210 gallon Mixed Reef |
Posted By: Connie
Date Posted: September 12 2009 at 5:03pm
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Dont worry about either one. They leave the corals and alone unless they are laying dead on the bottom. If they do die they, simply clean them up for you.
There has been pics of 4 foot worms.. Creepy and yes, get those out...... ------------- I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them. 180 gallon money pit that I love..... |
Posted By: TriggerHappy
Date Posted: September 12 2009 at 5:06pm
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I disagree Connie...the one I had attacked my anemone. Granted the one I had was about a foot long and about 1.5-2" wide.
------------- 210 gallon Mixed Reef |
Posted By: TriggerHappy
Date Posted: September 12 2009 at 5:11pm
This was what mine looked like:
------------- 210 gallon Mixed Reef |
Posted By: Zeldalink640
Date Posted: September 12 2009 at 7:01pm
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Thanks guys! I was able to snag a few and take them into Aquatic Dreams up here in Layton and Ryan was able to look at them. He said most likely they are just bristle worms, and I did get one of those Trap Em things, so here's hoping it works. Also ordered a six line wrasse since I have read and been told that they will help keep the population under control. The one in your pic doesn't look at all like the ones I have...so I'm hoping that's a good thing LOL. I'll keep you all posted, and thanks again for your help!! ------------- Thanks, Rob |
Posted By: Connie
Date Posted: September 13 2009 at 8:13am
If I had one a foot long, I'd run.......  Getting those bristles out of your fingers would be more like cactus qills......------------- I have flying monkeys and I'm not afraid to use them. 180 gallon money pit that I love..... |
Posted By: Chad
Date Posted: September 13 2009 at 1:27pm
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Get an arrow crab. ------------- What?! You pooped in the refrigerator, and ate the entire wheel of cheese?! I'm not even mad.... That's actually amazing! |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 13 2009 at 1:35pm
You need help, but not from the LFS. Here are some things they may not have told you about Bristleworms:
1. They are completely safe 99.99% of the time, rarely bothering inverts, coral or fish
2. They are part of the cleanup crew in your aquarium, eating leftover food, fish poop, detritus and even dead fish
3. They spawn readily and their spawn are some of the best food for some coral
4. They are so common and prolific that no trap will eliminate them
5. They multiply out of control when the tank is overfed, so learning not to overfeed is the one of the best tips we could give you
6. A simple trap of Tulle/Bridal Veil material ($1 at the fabric store) is more effective than any commercially purchased trap
7. A Six line wrasse is a good fish to have for the reason that it usually eats a real menace, the Flatworm.
8. When picking up LR especially on the sand, don't squeeze too hard or you will get some Bristleworm bristles in your finger. It is irritating but don't worry, just soak the affected part in straight Vinegar for a few minutes to dissolve the bristles and relieve the discomfort.
Here is a pic of the Tulle material at work:
 Simpy wrap a piece of shrimp loosely in the material, tie fishing line to it and when the worms start to wrap themselves up in it to get the shrimp, pull them out with the fishing line. (These are real fighters so be sure to set the drag on the fishing reel.
)Bet you didn't get even close to this much valuable info from the LFS or the internet search.
 Keep coming here for the best help in the world.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Zeldalink640 wrote:Posted By: Zeldalink640
Date Posted: September 13 2009 at 2:01pm
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Well you are definately right, I didn't learn that much from any other source. Thank you very very much for posting!! I know that they aren't all bad, that's why I'm ok with having some in there. If they get too over populated or unsightly I'll have to try the mesh thing...which by the way..that pic creeps me out just a bit LOL! Thanks again! ------------- Thanks, Rob |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 14 2009 at 10:14am
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Hi Rob,
This is Mark's wife, Donna. If I focus on how pretty those cute little bristleworms are--the brilliant colors on them--then it doesn't quite creep me out so much. When Mark first showed me some of the salt water fish and creatures, I would cringe, but now I am amazed at how awesome (in a weird sort of way) that these things actually are!! I have also been amazed at how much the seasoned hobbyists know and can teach others.
Good Luck, and keep posting!! ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: nwreef
Date Posted: September 15 2009 at 12:29am
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the big bristle worms can be the most interesting. I have one in my tank that full stretched is about 18 inches. I love putting food at the bottom of the tank for him. None have ever bothered any of my corals. they are great scavangers for sure, they can clean up a dead fish overnight. The bristle are irritating if you get them in your fingers, oh and watch the bigger ones, they have some powerful pinchers that can leave a mark! ouch! ------------- Chad A. 20g nano in progres Member~ A.A.A. ( Aquarium Addicts Anonomous) |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 15 2009 at 8:17am
Are you saying that a large bristleworm has actually bit you?!!!!! That's way cool ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Cameron
Date Posted: September 15 2009 at 2:39pm
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When i got my tank, i had HUGE (6-8") BLACK Bristle worms. I pulled every one of them suckers out cuz They HURT. I was probably stung at least ten times withing the week I was aquascaping my tank. I HATE them. I dont care if they are "Beneficial" Or not, I pull out every one I see. ------------- [COLOR="Red"](801)664-4240 |
Posted By: Busta B
Date Posted: September 15 2009 at 4:08pm
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get a arrow crab or 6 line ------------- 54 corner MH aquamedic lighting GEMME YOUR FISH OR ILL SHOOT!!! |
Posted By: Zeldalink640
Date Posted: September 18 2009 at 10:52am
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Holy Hannah!!! I just saw a worm coming out of the rock...I swear that thing is as long as my hand!!! Creepy but cool!! ------------- Thanks, Rob |