wormidfaq10

FAQs about Marine Worms, Vermiform Animals Identification 10

Related Articles: Worms, Featherduster Worms,

Long Black Worm: Nemertean -- 8/25/08 Hello Everyone, <Hi there, Kayren!> This site is GREAT! <Thanks!> You have helped me identify most of the interesting things I've discovered living in my 40 gallon tank as a result of using live rock (about 35 pounds so far - I know I need more). It's been set up for about 9 months now, and going pretty well. I have an Emperor filter on the back rated for 80 gallons (containing filter floss, 2 regular carbon filters, a Poly Filter and one bag Chemi Pure). <That's a packed filter!> I have a submersible 7 watt UV sterilizer. I will soon be getting a 350 Magnum Deluxe and a protein skimmer. I'm also using an under gravel filter with about 3 inches of gravel; crushed coral, I think. (I found out afterwards that's not particularly the best way to have gone). <Unfortunately, it's not, but with proper attention it should be okay. Please see these links (along with related links at top of page) http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/ug5proscons.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/u_gfiltmarfaqs.htm > The occupants at the moment are a Fox Face Rabbitfish, an Olive Tang, a Sailfin Tang (they get along ok), <Unfortunately, they won't long term. A forty gallon display doesn't supply enough room for any one of these fish, let alone all three. They may be okay right now if they're all very small, but as they grow they're going to get stressed. When that time comes, you'll very likely see increased aggression and disease issues. Please see these links (and related links above): Rabbitfish/Siganids: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/rbtfshsysfaqs.htm Tangs: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangsysfaqs.htm > ..a Mandarin Goby, <These are sometimes referred to as gobies, however they're actually Dragonets. Also, unless it's eating 'alternative' foods (frozen Mysis, etc), you're going to need a continual supply of small live invertebrates (amphipods, copepods). These can be obtained either through cultivation or purchase. Please see these links (and related above): http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mandarins.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mandfdgfaqs.htm > a Yellowtail Damsel, <Can be mean little suckers!> 5 Green Chromis, 2 Red-leg Crabs, 1 Blue-leg crab; and the occupants this site helped me to identify: a Brittle Star, Spaghetti Worms, Stomatellas, Feather Duster Worms, <Nice hitchhikers.> ..as well as a few others. Question: Is it ever a good idea to just take out the airlift tubes and stop using the under gravel filter after it's been set-up, or would the water underneath the filter just get too yucky? <Could be a problem, but should be okay. What you'd have would essentially be a 'plenum' Please see these links (along with related links at top of pages): http://wetwebmedia.com/Plenums.htm http://wetwebmedia.com/plenumuse.htm > The individual I encountered two days ago is the one I need your help to identify. <All right, now we get to the fun stuff!> I searched the site, but didn't find anything that sounded like it. I was using a new gravel vac (actually an Eheim Sludge remover that works really well). Shortly thereafter I noticed this LONG black worm in the gravel, but visible because it was pressed up between the glass and the gravel on the side. It looked similar to an earthworm, but without the middle part. It looked to be between 1/4 - 1/2 inches wide, perhaps about 1/2 inch in girth, and the part that I could see was about 6 inches long; I never saw the end but I could tell the worm continued past the part I could see. It didn't look like it had any legs; and what I assumed was the head portion could have been about 1/2 inch long, and looked comparable to something being wrapped in cellophane tape (maybe it's a 'tape' worm! lol). <Heheee!> After moving around a bit, it moved deeper into the gravel, but I think it's still near the glass because I think I can still see parts of it. Anyway, your expert opinion would be greatly appreciated. <LOL Well, I'm hardly an expert, but I'll offer my opinion anyway! Your mystery creature looks like a harmless Nemertean, or Ribbon worm. Please see these links for photo comparison and more information: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ribnwrmidfaqs.htm http://www.chucksaddiction.com/hitchworms.html> I've attached a picture taken in the macro setting. <That's wonderful, thank you.> Thanks. (My apologies if the picture is more than a few hundred Kbytes). Kayren
<You're very welcome. Take care, -Lynn>

Wondering what this is - some sort of worm? 07/07/08 hi - Just wondering if you could tell me what this thing is? When its tentacles are extended fully it is approximately 1 inch wide. Its body is between 1/4" and 3/8" long. The body is barely wider than the width of the metal of a paperclip. It moves rather quickly - it can navigate its way halfway across my 30" tank in about a minute if need be. <Ah, looks like a "medusa" worm: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/polychaetes.htm (scroll down, see after feather and bristle worms)> The colors are fairly true in the photo - the bluish tint to its legs are due to the actinic lights in the tank, however with the actinics off the legs appear to be clear (white/translucent). I found it earlier this evening after the lights had been off for 2-3 hours. Although I turned the lights on to take photos of it, it didn't instantly seek shelter from the lights... Any idea what this is, and if I find it again should I remove it promptly? <Oh no, they are good guys. And you likely have many more than just this one.> thanks again,
Jason
<De nada,
Sara M.>

Gorgeous pix. RMF

Weird worm question... comp., ID, 4/25/08 Hello Recently I received a Gorgonian from a major on-line retailer. After placing it in my tank I noticed a few small orangey-reddish-brown worms that look like bristleworms to me as they had a row of bristles (single) on each side (they were still in the bag with the shipping water... they did not go into my tank, but not sure if there were others that did!). They were 1/2" or less in size. However they are very similar to earwigs, especially the mouth parts. I did not get a pic... sorry! Any ideas or thoughts? <Are likely as you state... some sort/species of Errantiate Polychaete annelids...> I am worried that maybe there were babies or something on the rock that I missed! I spoke to the retailer and they said that they treat and quarantine all inverts for at least2 weeks and have not had any sort of problem. Am I being paranoid? HELP I cannot find any pics of them on line!! <Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/polychaecompfaqs.htm and the linked files above... Bob Fenner>

Strange Creature... Planaria... Mmmm, flatworms 3/9/08 Hey Gang. <Hi Wuf, Mich here.> I have been trying to identify this creature for a few days. I can't for the life of me figure out what it is. They are starting to accumulate on some of my rocks. To give you an idea of scale, the specimen pictured in IDme1.jpg is right at 1/16th of an inch. Any idea? -Wuf <Well the good news... Yes I can tell you what it is... The bad news... you don't want it. Is a pest, an Acoel flat worm. Yours is looking like its reaching plague proportions. You will likely need to address the situation. More here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/flatworms.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pestflatwrmanthony.htm Sorry to be Mich>

New Tank, New Live Rock, worms? Bristleworms 12/28/2007 Hi Crew~ <Hi Rachel, Mich here> Can you also please tell me what kind of creature this is? <Are Errantiate Polychaetes, Bristle worms, and generally beneficial detritivores.> I turned my light on and noticed several of these centipede things on my live rock. I just started the tank 2 weeks ago. Is this a bristle worm?? <Yes.> Should I be worried to add fish? <No.> I only have snails and 3 small hermits now. <Let your tank cycle and mature a bit. In the meantime set up a QT tank for any new livestock. More here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/QuarMarFishes.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/quarinverts.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/quaranti.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i4/quarantine/Quarantine.htm Thank you so very much for your help. I have researched so many pics but cannot find anything that looks like this. <I would not be worried here.> Sincerely,
Rachel
<Cheers, Mich>

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>

Search for a photo of a specific marine worm 12/16/07 Hello friends and colleagues, I received the email below as MASNA President and I'm casting a wide net among my friends and colleagues in hopes that one of you may have an idea to help this woman out in her search. If you don't have an answer for her, please pass this along as quickly as possible to anyone you think could help. I suspect that even finding a picture of any species in the Tubificoides genus would yield something very close, but I really don't profess to know much about marine worms! Thanks, Cheri Phillips MASNA President www.masna.org <Hi Cher... did a quick look/see via Net resources... Think these folks will have to go to a large (college with a bio. dept.) library... find the original description... If unfamiliar, I'd have a reference librarian show them how to search on BIOSIS or Zoological Abstracts... Bob Fenner> Subject: Marine worm My father in law, Don Maurer, did a lot of research back in the 1970s in the Chesapeake Bay. He wrote numerous journals on marine biology. Because of his dedicated work he had a marine worm named after him. The worm is called "Tubificoides Maureri". No one in the family knows what it looks like. I can't seem to find a picture on the internet of it. I was wondering if you knew where I can locate this? I wanted to frame it as a Christmas present for him. Thank you for all of your help. -Amber Kuhn

Red worms with black Rings? 7/8/07 Hey Crew! I have searched the website, but found no definite answer. In my tank, these hair thin worms come out at night in clusters. They come up from the sand in the same spot every night. They are very thin colored pinkish red with small black rings. I am worried that they are some type of parasite that will either harm my fish or coral. If they are harmful, what would be the best way to get rid of them. Thank you very much guys. <No worries. They're most likely some kind of Terebellid polychaete or "spaghetti worm" (highly desirable and fascinating little critters). Each cluster is one worm. Those thin hair-like things are the worm's feeding tentacles. Please give no more thought to getting rid of them and do enjoy them. :) > - R Delaney <Best, Sara M.>

Re: beautiful spaghetti worm 7/9/07 My bad... it's a hair worm, not a spaghetti worm. Sara <Yes. RMF>

Re: Red worms with black Rings? 7/10/07 OK Great! Thank you so much. <No problem. I forgot to say it could also be a "hair worm" (Cirratulid polychaete). It doesn't really matter though. Both kinds of worms are very good to have. :-) Best,
Sara M.>

Worm, snail of sorts? 7/7/07 Hey there, I am once again in need of the WWMedia crew assistance. Attached are photos of some sort of worm/snail that I found in the tank today. I have had the lights off in the tank for two days, trying to kill off an obnoxious brownish red algae that has taken up residence in one corner of my tank. <That sounds like Cyanobacteria. Try increasing water flow to that area. If you have it many other places in your tank and/or other nuisance algae problems, you could have excess nutrients.> When I turned the lights on this evening, I noticed a small whitish tube protruding from the lip of a piece of rock. It had a crazy long tentacle coming out of it, just sort of moving around and checking things out. It doesn't have a fan or any other distinguishing characteristics to speak of. I have looked through the many pages and faq on the different worms, but I can't find anything that resembles what has shown up. Nothing has been added or disturbed for several months, and I can't account for this new addition. <It's pretty hard to tell from the photos. My guess is that it's some kind of peanut worm. It would help to have better pictures of where the worm is coming from.> Any help would be greatly appreciated. Since the new growth is so small, it will show up quite nicely if you enlarge the pictures. I was actually shocked to see it on the computer. It didn't look so great on the camera. <Actually, it's pretty grainy even when I zoom in. :( > Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!! <De nada. Don't worry about the worm. It's almost certainly harmless. Sara M.> Thanx!! Rachael Moore

Re: Worm, snail of sorts? -- 07/07/07 Thanks for the advice.. I moved the powerhead to that area, and it seems to be helping. <cool :)> I noticed today that I also had my first bristle worm that I quickly removed. <Hmm... the vast majority of bristle worms are beneficial scavengers. Believe it or not, plenty of people actually buy bristle worms to put in their tanks. There's no need to remove them unless they're quite obviously one of the few types that eat coral and get huge.> I most definitely have some excess nutrients in the water. I would also like to know if you can recommend a nano skimmer that will work with an Aqua Clear hang on filter. <Well, I don't know of any skimmers that would attach to an Aqua Clear hang on filter. I suggest you just get a hang on skimmer that would act independently of the Aqua Clear. Aqua C (not the same as Aqua Clear) does make a nano version of the fabulous Remora that I think would work well with your tank.> The filter works great, but due to nutrient excess and the fact that I travel extensively, I need something to help pick up the slack. <A skimmer should help. However, do make sure you keep up with your water changes. Water changes are especially important in smaller tanks.> Can you direct me to some skimmers that will work with this setup? 20gal Odyssea cube 25gal Aqua Clear hang on filter <For a good overview of the different skimmer options, please see: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i1/protein_skimmer_impressions.htm> Rachael Moore
<De nada
Sara M.>

Mmm, maybe a Phoronid. RMF

Worm ID 6/29/07 Hello Crew, <Hello Tom, Mich with you today.> I have a question about worms. <Do you have worms? Heee!> I found that after the main lighting goes off for the evening I have worms. <Good!> They are coming from the pores in the live rock. <OK.> They are a grayish color and have a flat end. It almost looks as if they were cut in half. I have attached a picture to assist. <I see.> The tank is twenty gallons with twenty five pounds of live rock and forty pounds of sand. An AquaC Nano Remora skimmer. It has only one small wrasse, some hermit crabs and 3 snails. Are these worms something to worry about? <Nope! Looks like you have some peanut worms (Sipunculid species). They are beneficial members of the clean up crew, feeding on detritus. > If so, is there a creature that enjoys them as dinner? <Hermit crabs may prey on them. But you want to keep these worms in your display.> The wrasse is asleep when the worms come out to play. Thanks for a great site. <Welcome! Glad you Tom

What Is This Flower Like Thing? A Serpulid Fan Worm -- 06/28/07 Hi Crew <Hi Judi! Mich with you.> You have all been great answering questions in the past. <Wonderful to hear!> I have 'something' on my live rock and finally got a decent pic of it (below). <I see.> I could not find any reference to this on your website or in your book. <Oh, I promise you they are there.> When 'shy' it is just a pin-prick of a white dot. Then it will open like a flower to what you see above (the ragged white circle in the middle of the picture). It is smaller than the head of a pencil eraser. I have recently found one more on a different rock. I have noticed it for at least 6 months now, so I'm sure it has been there longer. It active during the day and at night. <Judi this is a feather duster, a Serpulid fan worm, a harmless filter feeder. You can learn more here and the related links in blue: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/feather.htm > Thanks for your help. <Welcome! Mich> Judi

Re: What Is This Flower Like Thing? A Serpulid Fan Worm 6/30/07 Thanks Mitch. <Welcome Judi!> I was wondering if it was something like that; <Yes, I am quite confident with this ID. However, there was a little discussion about this and I am wondering if you could tell me, can this creature go from open to "shy" as you put it quickly...i.e. if it is startled does it quickly close?> I thought from pics I've seen that most of the Serpulid Fan Worms appear in clusters in the book, and this one is solitary. <Yes, there are colonial and solitary species.> I do have a couple of small feather duster type worms. <They are common.> I also get two spaghetti worms - one type is a bright red and the other has alternating black/white segments. Both easily found in the book. Great book, by the way. <Glad you like it! Judi

Mmmm, maybe not. RMF

Questions about worms 6/24/07 Dear WetWebMedia Crew, Firstly, thank you for the plethora of information on your website. It's been an extremely valuable asset in helping me along with my saltwater aquarium. I wanted to share with you these pictures of what I initially believed was a single large worm on my live rock. Instead, it seemed to be a mass of worms moving together. My question is, what exactly were they doing? Is it a sort of worm mating ritual? Please let me know. Thank you, James <Mmm, perhaps a manner of living... that confers an advantage in avoiding predation by moving en masse. Also helpful juxtaposition for reproduction. Bob Fenner>

Need ID on annelid or Cnidarian'¦ a Peanut Worm (Sipunculid sp.) -- 06/11/07 Hello WWM Crew! <Hi there Paul!> The information on your forums has been invaluable! <Glad you have found this helpful!> We reside in the Northern California Bay Area. <Lucky you!> We have had a 35g for about 4 months now, initial 2-month curing period with live rock and live sand and added 10 Mexican hermit crabs, 10 Nassarius snails, 2 peppermint shrimp, 2 cleaner shrimp, and 1 scarlet shrimp after the curing period. Both peppermint shrimps, one of the cleaner shrimps, and several of the hermit crabs did not survive after I placed about two more inches of live sand into the tank about a week after they had been introduced. <Sorry for your loss.> The tank dimensions are 30X12X22 LxWxH. The water tested is a consistent 79C, Salinity 1.024, pH 8.4, Phosphates, Ammonia, and Nitrites 0. Nitrates 10, Alkalinity 9, Mg 1200, Ca 440, <Allow to drift lower, under 400.> and Sr 940. In the third month we added two orange spotted gobies and a maroon clown to the tank. I have moved the maroon clown into a 100g we have downstairs (with a 20g refugium w/live rock, sand, Caulerpa) today. This tank has been set up for 3 months now, water parameters are the same as the 35, and includes a refugium recently converted from a wet/dry with live sand, rock, and Caulerpa. <Excellent!> The orange spotted gobies in the 35 were both placed in together, and immediately paired up. They are small, only 2" in length, one being larger than the other. The larger goby is vigilant about sifting, rises to the top and eats copepods near the surface. It also picks at the live rock. The smaller goby is less active, and follows the larger around most of the time, sifting occasionally as well, but does not engage in any other foraging. I feed the tank twice daily with Spirulina enriched brine. The larger eats very well and the smaller follows, both resulting in distended stomachs, so they have both for sure been eating. <Very good.> In the past 2 days, the smaller goby has been eating less, say 3-4 brine instead of the usual 10. Today, he stayed in the cave they had dug out for most of the day, only head and eyes protruding, but not emerging or eating during the evening feeding. Is this normal behavior? <Mmm, doesn't sound like normal behavior for this individual fish... The brine shrimp don't provide much nutrition. These fish would likely benefit from supplementation with a vitamin /HUFA supplement such as Selcon. I would try offering some alternative foods as well, Mysid shrimp would be a better alternative.> I know that the 100g with the refugium would better support the diet of these gobies. <Likely so.> Would it cause unnecessary strain to place the larger or smaller goby into the 100, thereby splitting them up? <Perhaps as the smaller of the gobies seems to be a bit of a follower, but you never really know.> Truthfully, the 100g has seen the death of 4 of these orange spotted gobies (2 purchased from an unreliable LFS and 2 due to stress) as well as an algae eating blenny (also purchased from the unreliable LFS, which we do not buy from any longer). <Yikes!> Now, onto the initial subject of this email( ;) sorry for the long email), which is and ID on some annelid or Cnidarian in the 35. I love searching the tanks with a flashlight late at night, and have been amazed at population explosions of zooplankton and other nocturnal creatures. <Tis fun!> Tonight, when I was observing the live rock, I came upon a tentacle that extended about 5 cm out of the interface between the live rock and sand. It was a vivid black and white banded tentacle about 3 mm wide and the banding alternated black and white about every 3 mm. It immediately disappeared from view by retracting, but in a bizarre fashion. The tip invaginated toward the medial end of the tentacle very quickly. The tentacle was tubular, did not taper at the end, smooth, and matte in appearance. I could not get a picture, but hope you can identify with this information. <I'm fairly certain you have a Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.). They are beneficial detritivores, a positive addition to your tank. Do enjoy you nocturnal surveys!> Thank you!
<Welcome! Mich>
Paul

Worm id... Sounds (looks???) like a Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.) -- 6/12/07 Hi Crew! <Hi Jamie!> Hope you enjoyed your weekend. <Mmm, I've had better... my camera is currently on the bottom of a local lake. I suspect this may delight several WWM crewmembers.> I am hoping you can help me identify a worm I just discovered living in the live rock in my aquarium. I have attached 2 pictures, but all I have is a digital camera <More than I have currently and I'm having photographic withdrawals.> and it is hard to get a close picture that isn't blurred. <Look for a macro setting... The symbol often looks like a flower/daisy. I really miss my camera!> The "worm" is curved in the center of the picture. <Good thing you said this, otherwise I wouldn't have had a clue!> I am pretty sure the creature in question is not a bristle or fire worm. <I'm pretty sure you're correct!> This thing is smooth, white, no noticeable segments. One end attached in the live rock. Although he is curved in the attached pics, at times one end is extended and it almost appears there is a "nub" at the front end of him. The portion of him that is visible is about 1 cm long, by 3-4mm wide. Doesn't seem to be calcareous, as he is very flexible and is frequently bending from one side to another. <Yep, I think you have a peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.), more by the sounds of it... than the looks of it.> I have searched the FAQ's and read the related articles on WWM, but didn't see anything similar to this thing. I am reluctant to pull him out of the tank if he is beneficial, but just want to make sure he won't pose a threat to my fish. <Peanut worms are beneficial scavengers, which feed on detritus.> As always, thanks so much for your feedback and advice. It is greatly appreciated. <Welcome! Mich> Jamie
Re: Worm id... Sounds (looks???) like a Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.) -- 06/13/07 Mich <Hello again Jamie!> Just wanted to say thinks for the info. <You're welcome!> I did some more research last night and as a result I figured it was a peanut worm as well. <Very good!> Only thing that had me second guessing was the color. I read that most peanut worms are brown but the guy in my tank was white, but otherwise he looks very similar. <White is not unheard of.> Sorry to hear about your camera, <Thanks!> and the resulting hard time it sounds like you are going to get from your fellow Crew members. <Oh, no the crew in question (You know who you are! ;) Heeheee!) was trying to remove said camera from my possession a few weekends ago.> But on the brighter side, it's an excuse to upgrade to a better camera, right? ;-) <More than you know!> And thanks for the photography tip! <Oh you are most welcome! I'm glad I could help!> I never thought about the macro setting. <Yes, this will improve the focus/clarity a great deal on all those up close photos.> Thanks again. <I'm happy I can help. Mich> Jamie

Saltwater "worm" question?? ID 5/27/07 Hi there. <Hi Jimmy, Mich here.> I've had my tank for 2 months now, and I have noticed 3 "worm" looking things in the small rocks at the bottom of my tank, that are probably about 1/2" long and thin, and have small spikes all around them on the edges, and when I looked closer, I could see blood, I'm guessing, pumping from the top of their bodies to the bottom. I'm wondering what the heck are they and are they harmful and any information at all?? <Sounds like some type of bristleworm, most are harmless scavengers that help to keep the tank clean. Some photos and more info here and the related links in blue: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/polychaetes.htm > I would avoid handling these worms. And if you must, then wear gloves. The "spikes" called chaetae can cause problems ranging from irritation to severe pain should you get stuck.> I tried to take a picture, but it won't turn out and I can't turn the flash off from my camera. <...Now where did I put that camera manual? What's that quote about a thousand words?...> Thanks in advance. <Welcome! Mich> -Jimmy

LR Hitchhiker...Worm ID 5/7/07 Hi Crew! <Hello.> Can anyone help me ID a hitchhiker that I discovered last night?...dang thing freaks me out. <Will try.> I specifically did a search on WWM with the worm's characteristics and I guess there may be cause for concern. This worm has a lamprey mouth, stretches to about 3 inches (maybe longer). He hasn't left the LR so I can't really tell how long he (or she) is but I do know it has a tapered end. It takes bites out of the LR but immediately retreats back into the hole. It is tan and dark brown striped. It did come out while the lights were on, but was very active last night. I did get video of it, but couldn't get a good close up pic. Does this critter sound harmful? Thank you...any help would be greatly appreciated! Jennifer <Sounds like a harmless peanut worm. Do a search on these and see if it matches what you have.> <Chris>
Re: LR Hitchhiker...Worm ID 5/9/07 Thanks Chris. <Sure> From what I could research it appears that is what I have. Is there a specific website giving detailed info on them? <Try tracking down Dr. Ron Shimek over on the marine depot forums, he should be able to help out with identification.> I take it he is a pretty harmless critter? <Yep> Thank you again for your help! Jennifer <Welcome>
<Chris>

Kermit the Phyllodocid Hi, <Hi Pat> I found this guy in my last shipment of frags. <Pretty!> He was in a patch of neon green Favia and managed to grab the rock while he left his hiding place. I could not find anything like it. Do I have a three mile island fire worm <Heeheee, good one!> or is there another variety I do not know about? Do you know what kind it is and if is reef safe? <I can't be sure without seeing some close-up photos, but it appears to be a Phyllodocid polychaete (Family: Phyllodocidae). These are predators/scavengers of small worms, etc. If it were me (and since it's already caught), I probably wouldn't put it back in the tank. Please see these links for photos and additional links/information. At the first link, see Faq labeled 'Hitchhiker worm 10/16/05'. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/wormidfaqs6.htm http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~sweetyummy42/hitchworms.html Pat
<You're very welcome! Take care. --Lynn>

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