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Sipunculids, Peanut Worm, Identification FAQs
Related FAQs: Worm Diversity FAQs,
FAQs 2, FAQs
3, &
Worm IDs 1,
Worm IDs 2, Worm
IDs 3, Worm IDs 4,
Worm IDs 5, Worm
IDs 6, Worm IDs 7,
Worm IDs 8, & Worm ID FAQs by
Group/Phylum:
Flatworm Identification ID,
Nemertean, Proboscis, Ribbon Worm ID,
Nematode, Roundworm ID,
Nematomorpha, Horsehair
Worm ID,
Acanthocephalans, Thorny-headed Worm ID, Polychaete
Identification, Polychaete ID 2,
Tubeworm
ID, Hirudineans, Leech ID,
Echiuran Worm ID,
Related Articles: Worms, Polychaetes,
Flatworms/Planaria,
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Peanut Worm (Sipunculid)-
3/4/08
<Hi there!>
After researching and reading several articles I finally found pictures, on your
site, of the creature I was trying to identify.
<Yay!>
Although I haven't seen the main body, I'm certain I have a peanut worm living
in my Live rock.
<Excellent>
My question involves multiple worms. Is it common to have more than one worm
living in the same hole?
<It’s not something I’ve seen or heard of (until now!) in aquaria, but they do
sometimes group together in the wild in very high numbers indeed. Barnes’
Invertebrate Zoology tome states that densities as high as 700 per square meter
of rock have been reported in Hawaii. That’s a lot of peanuts! Whether any share
the same hole, I couldn’t tell you. However, it does say something about their
tolerance for close proximity to each other.>
I have three of the "elephant trunks", coming out of the same small area,
working on the rock independently of each other.
<Interesting>
(These things remind me of the creature in the movie Tremors, kinda creeped me
out at first, I thought "now this can't be good" lol)
<Heheee! I know what you mean. Thankfully, these won’t chase, hurt, or otherwise
try to eat you or any of the critters in your tank!>
Thanks for your help and maintaining an excellent resource for us newbies!
<You’re most welcome, thanks for sharing your observations! Take care, -Lynn>
Worm or
snake? 12/28/07
<Hello Heather and Mr. Vice President... Mich here asking to be
pardoned for the long delay in response.>
We are setting up a reef tank (65 gallons) and have been at this for
about 2 months. Two days ago we noticed this little guy.
<Well I didn't invent the Internet or win a Noble Prize, but is sure
looks like a Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.) to me!>
We've seen him stretched out about 2" in length. He doesn't seem to be
particularly afraid of the light and will only go back into hiding
whenever we try to go anywhere near him. Is he friend or foe to the reef
tank?
<The convenient truth, is he is a friend!>
Thank you for your assistance.
Heather Cleaveley & Al Gore
<Welcome!
Michelle Lemech>
Worm or snake... Peanut worm
(Sipunculid sp.) 12/29/2007
You are pardoned Mich.
<Thank you kindly!>
But don't really think my Al Gore can pardon anyone.
<Heehee! But I bet he improves your chances of getting a dinner
reservation!>
Thank you very much for your assistance.
<Welcome! Mich>
Heather |
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Worm
Identification? – 10/04/07
Sorry for the blurry pics, but I was hoping you might get enough to
help me figure out if this is a good or bad worm. He only comes out at
night and the minute my flash goes off he is sucked up back in his hole.
The worm appears to be brown with white stripes. I would have to guess
it is more than 8 inches long, just how long I have no idea. When it is
extending, it appears to be coming out of itself. The head part looks
sort of like a short thick white feather duster when it comes out but it
almost immediately goes back into itself and repeats this action over
and over. It always comes out of the same hole every night, never
ventures. Thanks for all of your help!
Bellinda
<Does it look like a Sipunculid to you:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm
BobF>
Re: Worm Identification? 10/5/07
<Hi Bellinda, Lynn here this time! Bob’s off diving - lucky fellow!>
Thank you so much for your quick response. <On behalf of Bob, you’re very
welcome.> I have never seen it when it is not stretched out so it is hard to
tell. It stays in a hole in the rock all of the time and only comes out at
night.
<Typical of Sipunculids/Peanut Worms. I love these little guys. They remind me
of elephant trunks, the way they appear to snuffle around looking for food - and
wow, do they not like it when you shine a flashlight on them! It’s amazing how
quickly they can retract back into their little abodes (not that I blame them!).
They vary in color from shades of gray, brown, black, or white - some with bands
of those same colors, some without.>
However, I do believe that is what it is. I'm assuming from what I read that it
is safe to leave this worm in my aquarium.
<Absolutely. Sipunculids/peanut worms are harmless, beneficial, little
detritivores, and a joy to have/watch!>
Thanks Again,
Bellinda
<You're most welcome! -Lynn>
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Hi Guys I Need Some Help
Identifying This Item...Me Too! 9/10/07
Hi guys
<Hi Chris, Mich here.>
I need some help identifying this item...
<Me too!>
He showed up on some live rock and looks like he is boring his way
through the rock, he seems to be eating a 1/3" hole in the rock.
<This seems unlikely to me. I suspect it is just living in the hole. But
could be wrong. Why do you say it appears to be eating a hole in the
rock?>
Its brown and about 1" tall with a 1/3" circumference. I have had a
tough time trying to describe it to search for it, also turned up no
results on Google and other aquarium related boards.
<Well how about 20 questions? Does it react to touch or light? How does
it feel? Hard, soft, smooth, rubbery? Does it move? If so how does it
move? Fast? Slow? Does it appear to have a shell? Can you get a picture
from a different angle? Are you using the macro feature (symbol usually
looks like a flower) on your camera? Can you provide any more
description, distinguishing features? My best guess, and is only a
guess, is some type of sea cucumber. Mich>
Chris Edwards |
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Likely a Sipunculid... RMF |
Worm ID…
Sipunculid 8/22/07
Thank you for your time,
<Welcome, Mich here.>
I've been visiting your site for a few years and I absolutely love it,
<Nice to hear!>
but this is my first question. As a background, I decided to try a 10g
tank since I had to leave my 150g and 55g at my parent’s house because
of the frequency of me moving. I got some sand and rocks from the 150g
and started it. It did ok for a while and put in 5-6 hermit crabs and
two snails. I realized though that one cannot maintain a tank when it
evaporates 10-15% of its volume a day so I took out the snails and crabs
and started to take out the rocks when I found a worm hanging out of the
bottom of one of them. It looked very cool so I figured I could try and
keep it alive. I positioned the rock so I could see it better but it
disappeared after a couple days and I couldn't find, and thought it had
died. I kept doing top-offs and the powerhead and lights just to see,
but after a couple weeks I again decided to break down the tank. I
stopped topping off and the volume cut in half. All of a sudden the worm
reappeared in the same hole in the rock, slowly extending itself,
possibly probing the sand. This thing had lived through very bad water
quality to this point. It could retract similar to an earthworm but had
more of a nub at the end resembling a mouth to my guess. I didn't have
any ro water or supplies since I was breaking the tank down and sadly
had to watch the little guy die over a couple days, not having any time
to take it to my parents or knowledge of its good or badness.
<Was a good one.>
The constricted black ring formed right before he died. I pulled him out
and inspected. The front end, left side of the ruler picture, was light
blue with small specks and the back end, second picture, was white with
black spots, which I found are tiny barbs. The back end was pretty deep
in the rock and almost anchored in. Sorry this is so long, but even with
the Internet I couldn't convince myself what it was and I find it very
fascinating.
<From your description and images I am fairly certain this was a Peanut
worm (Sipunculid spp.). Sipunculids are beneficial detritus feeders. You
can see some similar images here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm
Thanks a lot,
<Welcome! Mich>
Adam
p.s. I have a larger version of the ruler shot, about 600kbs that shows
some better detail including some internal organs if you're interested.
<Sure! Please send along, will be posted.> |
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Unknown Marine Life, Sipunculid? - 03/17/2006
Hi Bob,
<Josh here. Sorry for the delay here.>
I am hoping you can shed some light on the identity of the critter in
the attachments.
<I'll try.>
I found him accidentally while relocating a piece of live rock. This
rock is home to a toad stool that our maroon clown decided should live
somewhere else!
<The nerve!>
I am wondering 2 things, what is this creature and should he remain a
welcome resident in our reef tank? If you happen to know I would be
grateful for your insight.
<Well Dawn, I'm not 100% positive here but noticed that you've re-sent
this yesterday, and are still waiting. I would say this is a Sipunculid
or Peanut worm. Try throwing those terms into a search.>
Thank you so much for all of the knowledge and humor you have provided
since I have discovered the passion of Marine Aquaria!
<Thank you for allowing us to "spout off" to any who will listen.>
God Bless you,
Dawn Borgstrom
<And you. - Josh> <<I forgot to add, if this is in fact a Peanut worm,
it's completely harmless and very beneficial. - Josh>> |
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Spectacular Sipunculids! - 09/03/2005
Hello Wet Web Crew!
<Ahoy thar, matey!>
Just had a quick question for you. I was wondering if this looked like
a Peanut Worm to you.
<Yup. Sure does.>
I've searched the internet and found a few pictures of Peanut Worms that
looked like this, and several which did not match. If you have an idea
what it is, could you also tell me if this is a harmful species to have
in my tank?
<This does indeed look like a Sipunculid to me. I think they're the
coolest worms out there.>
Should I search the live rock to find and remove any more that might
linger?
<Nope. Just observe and enjoy.>
Thank you. very much for your time! I really appreciate it!
<You bet.>
Tina
<Wishing you well, -Sabrina> |
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Sipunculan
Hello!
<Hey, Mike G here>
I have what looks to be some sort of deep-sea-looking worm thing in my
aquarium.
<You have no idea how common that is in this wonderful hobby :-) >
My pictures are a bit lacking, but could you give me a hint as to
how to go about identifying this creature?
<Your pictures are fine for identification of this specimen.>
The most significant characteristic I've observed is that to retract back into
the rock, he inverts himself and crawls back inside his own body... what a
party trick, huh? It's like when you take a long balloon (the kind they turn
into animals) and push with your finger on the end so it goes "inside" of
itself.
<He is a Sipunculan, more commonly referred to as a Peanut Worm. Harmless, benign, and entertaining.>
I like him 'cause he seems to get along with my fish (one yellow-tailed
damsel, one tomato clown, one royal Gramma.) Is he dangerous?
<Not in the least.>
If not, I don't want him to be eaten, so are there any types of fish I
should avoid
adding?
<Butterflies, triggers, wrasses, and possibly Dwarf Angels will make a quick snack of him if provided with the opportunity.> |
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A Wacky Worm!
Dear Crew:
<Hi there! Scott F. here today!>
Hello again! Just a quick ID here if it is not too much
trouble. I tried to keep the .Jpg size as small as
possible:-) I just ordered 50lbs of NANO size Marshall Island
rock. I placed the rock in a couple small QT tanks so I can make sure
of it before adding to my already settled main display tank without any
problems.
<Excellent procedure!>
On day 2, this little thing made its' way to the front of the
glass. Any ideas what it could be? Thank yo so much in advance for
all of your help!
Steve
<Well, Steve- it looks to me to be a Sipunculid, commonly known as a
"Peanut Worm" (Now, ask yourself- does that thing look like a peanut
to you?). They are fairly common on South Pacific rock, and are essentially
harmless detritivores or suspension feeders. It will eventually settle back into
the rock or substrate if it is healthy. They do best in situations where
supplemental "feeding" systems, such as refugia, are connected to the
main tank, or where you have a thriving reef system. Enjoy this oddity! Regards,
Scott F>
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Worm ID 3/26/04
Hello Crew: My 45 SW system has been up and running trouble free for
about 9 months now. About 90% of my insight and direction has been from
this website, and Calfo and Fenner's amazing Reef Inverts book. I
thank you so much for everything.
<your success is our impetus>
Tonight I noticed a little worm hiding in a sweet cave in one of my larger
rocks. I can only see about 3 inches total of it in the opening
of the cave feeling around. It looks like it is black and white
striped width wise, not length wise.
<tough to discern from the pic (distance/clarity of the image) but is
does sound like it could be the browsing of a Sipunculid peanut worm
(hobby-common species are often striped as such)>
It's body almost seems telescopic in nature, and has a tiny circular
ending (almost looks like a mouth of some sort). I hope the pic
I am including is visible enough to see. Any info would be
great on this little guy! Steve
<best regards, Anthony> |
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What is this?
Dear Bob, Anthony, or Steven,
I was hoping you could help me out with identification of what I think is some
variety of worm? I have enclosed 2 pictures, though they r not crystal clear,
they give you a good basic look at the creature. The first photo is lightly
circled in red and the other picture is of it feeding on the acrylic wall.
Things I have noticed: 1. Cannot stand light. 2. Has a minute dark green spot at
the end of each lobe, which I believe are either mouths or sensors because it
searches the substrate (seeming like a snake sniffing the air when it sticks its
forked tongue out) and also at times if you look real close you can see the
detritus it is collecting by use of its internal conveyor belt. 3. As for its
size, it can easily stretch 18 inches long in search for food. Its coloring and
shape is comparable to that of Caulerpa taxifolia runners, maybe a tad thinner
and bit more translucent. Also, when it is roaming slowly across the substrate,
you can tell it is sticky much like the “sticky hand” toy that kids play
with (hand with stretchy arm that kids fling and the hand attaches to pretty
much anything). 4. Finally, it retreats very quickly inside a hole in the rock
(Fiji rock) no bigger than a pin (it is attached inside that hole), folding its
lobes neatly before slinking out of sight.
I have never seen anything like this in any books, nor have I heard anyone
having such an interesting organism. It reminds me of a Terebellid “spaghetti”
worm with the way it feeds, but without the mass of tentacles. Yet is shaped
like a snake’s forked tongue, with the size and translucent glow of a
Euphyllia ancora sweeper tentacle. I’m sure you probably know what it is if
anyone does and I am sorry if this may seem a bit jumbled, just trying to give
you as much information as possible in a hopeful i.d. Thank you so much,
<we appreciate the attempt at the photo, my friend... it can be so helpful.
Alas... the creature is still too vague in the image. Please do try for a better
photo and perhaps post the description on reef central for Dr Ron Shimek... he
is a specialist in low life forms (insert you own joke here). In sand beds and
rock, that is <G>>
What is That? II
Steve Pro, Glad you had a great Father's Day and welcome to the world of
parenting. Such a wonderful experience do enjoy every minute!
<She is a joy!>
I looked on the WWM and found a picture of a Bristle Worm and that is not what I
have living in my overflow. The worm I have is all smooth. No leggy things. But
still creepy looking. Sorry snakes and creepy crawlies give me the CREEPS. Looks
to have a stomach or something towards the end of it, fatter at the bottom if
that makes sense.
<When you want to know about worms, snails, and other critters, you need to
go to the expert, Dr. Ron Shimek. Take a look and try to work through his
"Key" to animal ID,
http://www.rshimek.com/Invertebrate%20Key%20to%20Major%20Taxa.htm
If it lives in an aquarium, you should be able to find it there.>
Thank you, Lori
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>
What is That? Conclusion
Thank you Steven Pro I was able to find it and quite quickly I might add, this
is a great site thanks for the info. It is a Sipunculan or Peanut Worm should I
leave it be in the overflow?
<Sure>
Thanks, Lori
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>
Awwww.....nuts! Peanut (worms) that is 4/19/03
[AKA... "Excuse me, Miss... but there's a Sipunculid in my
soup."]
Hey, Thanks for the reply. I took your advice and looked at
tons of pics and descriptions of how different worms act, and I am pretty
sure it is some type of peanut worm.
<Ahhh... very cool. A Sipunculid>
He hangs from his hole in the base of the rock and
retracts into himself with lightning speed when you shine a flash light on
him. If this is a peanut worm then most of what I read is that they are
beneficial and should be left in the tank. Do you agree with this
conclusion?
<very much agreed... good sleuthing>
Thanks again for your time, Shawn
<always welcome, my friend. And do peep a pic of an exposed worm,
attached here... quite fascinating. Anthony> |
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Peanut worm?
I found this worm in the intake of a powerhead that was running an
undergravel filter in my marine aquarium. It is about 4 inches long and
brown in color, looks similar to earthworm but not glossy instead it
appears to have a rougher texture, maybe even hairs on it, a leathery
appearance. I looked at the pictures of the peanut worm on Shimek's site,
it looks very similar but is a much darker brown, is it likely the same
type of worm?
<It is indeed... a Peanut Worm... A Sipunculid>
I took this one out because I didn't know what it was and it startled me,
plus when I pulled it out it tore in two pieces. In the future if I find
more should I leave it in the tank and where, just put in the sand or on
the live rock?
<Interesting animals, completely harmless... I'd leave it/them in
place>
Is it beneficial at all to the tank or harmful? Thank you very much.
Kylee Peterson
<Put the terms, "Peanut Worm" or "Sipunculid" in
your search engines. Bob Fenner> |
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