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Bristleworms
Class: Polychaete
Of the over 8,000 types of polychaete, there are two types of bristleworms that can be found in our aquariums. Both are introduced into the tank via live rock and live sand. The first type, the most common one found in our systems is the one pictured below. They are nocturnal and not usually seen during the day.
They are called bristleworms because of the hair-like bristles that run along the length of each side of the body. These are hollow barbed filaments that when touched can break off and imbed into the skin of other tank inhabitants or yourself if you mistakenly touch one.
Bristleworms range in size from 1" to up to 20". Most of the small ones are orange in color or two-toned like the above bristleworm. As the bristlworrm grows it tends to take on an iridescent color along the length of its body.
Smaller bristleworms have been found to be a beneficial addition to a reef tank. They tend to burrow in the substrate which helps to aerate the substrate. They also are wonderful scavengers, cleaning up any leftover food or dead organisms. There is however the debate as to whether this type of bristleworm is good or bad. It has been documented that as the bristleworm grows it can become a nuisance, and will eat soft corals and can attack small bottom dwelling fish, and then consume them. Generally though, the smaller 2"-3" bristleworms add much needed biodiversity to your tank.
The best method of removal if you feel you have a problem bristleworm seems to be the bristleworm trap, available at most local fish stores. It may take several days to a week to catch the worm. There are natural predators that will eat bristleworms. The arrow crab, coral banded shrimp, dottybacks, copperband butterflyfish, and many wrasses will eat them. Manual removal must be done with care for two reasons. If the worm is being removed from a crevice in the live rock and only a portion of the worm is removed the remaining portion will grow back to a full sized worm so care must be taken to gently wiggle/pry the worm loose with a pair of tweezers or hemostats. Secondly, it's a good idea to use a pair of thick gloves to you reduce the chances of being stung by the bristles.
The second type of bristleworm occasionally found in our systems is the fireworm. You can easily see the difference between this type of bristleworm and the one mentioned earlier.
They are called fireworms primarily for two reasons. They are brightly colored red and orange and their fine, needle-like bristles are hollow and contain potent venom. The sting caused these worms feels like fire and last a long time. The bristles are shed readily if a worm is attacked. Fireworms are voracious predators that usually feed on corals, but are known to attack animals, such as anemones, ten times their size. Fireworms are much harder to detect in the aquarium. They are able to feel the vibrations on the floor and will quickly retreat to safety. They are also much more sensitive to light than the other type of bristleworm. As silly as this sounds, in order to check the tank if you suspect you may have a fireworm problem is to 'sneak up' on the tank. Yes, tip toe up to the tank and it's best to use a flashlight that you have put a piece of red plastic wrap over. For some reason the red light doesn't bother them. Removal methods are the same for the fireworm, but extra care must be taken in order to avoid the potent sting.
Adrienne Stanton 10/16/2003
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