Bristleworms, The Poll

[steelhealr]

There is new info out there on these hitchhikers. Put in your 2 cents.

[yellowbird53]

Where can one find this info you speak of?

Namaste

[yellowbird53]

PS, Steelhealr, how goes the refuigium, and the submersible light. I have not had time to read your main post to completion, as I started summer session...update? Thanks.

Namaste

[mogurnda]

I voted "other." There are some nereids and eunicids that are trouble, other species aren't. It's a diverse group, so it's probably worth one's while to learn to identify the different types, rather than lumping them all together.

[Diatome]

They are fun to pet...

 

Leave things alone, it's called balance. Except those snails that feed on zoas. Smash them with zest.

[yellowbird53]

Which snails are known to feed on Zoas? Thanks

[ezramore]

i voted other. I usually leave them unless they get to big. I think it was the pyrimid snailes that ate coas. correct me if i am wrong.

[bobioden]

Originally posted by steelhealr

There is new info out there on these hitchhikers. Put in your 2 cents.

 

What is the new info on them?

 

I have always had them and have not had any problems.

 

Bob

[lgreen]

i think they are fine in moderation. i usually keep something that keeps there population in balance though like a six line wrasse.

 

a bunch of small ones are fine, but the big ones get nasty and have no problem taking out a snail or 2 now and then.

[steelhealr]

The 'new info' is that most older texts and posts recommended removing them immediately--that they ate fish and became 'enourmous'. Newer texts, including Kurtz'The Simple Guide to Mini-Reef Aquariums, state that they are safe and should be left alone. One species, Hermodice carunculata, are related to be polyp eaters and should probably be extracted in a nano reef. That's why the poll, since, many people still ask if they should remove them. Thanks. SH

[yellowbird53]

Thanks for the info. I am looking for a photo ident of Hermodice carunculata to stay safe.

[DiverDave]

Voted! I have a pseudochromis fridmani in my current tank and the only place that I've seen a bristle worm is in my fuge. IMO detrivores and a good food source for my fish.

[steelhealr]

Looks like bristleworms have found a niche. SH

[BKtomodachi]

I voted other becuase this wasnt an option:

 

Ignore (but recognize) their presence, until you see one. Then, proceed to scream "you bastards, get out of my tank!" and then kill it.

[diggitydj]

i have too agree with BK well said, i like the extra life yet not that type. pictures a ell or something comin out of my rocks. grabs the tweazrs and goes on the hunt lol Voter other

[outtafocus]

I have a big guy in my 25gal cube, I still havent decided if I want him gone or not. I will have to keep an eye on this thread.

[Dragonscales]

I think it all depends on what they are in the tank with, size of the bristleworm, species, etc. I wouldn't be too overzealous with turfing the poor buggers away as soon as I caught sight of one and think they can be beneficial in the right circumstances while a pest in others. They are like anything in a tank though, a watchful eye is the best way to determine if they are up to any trouble or not.

[mrabolli]

If you suspect one in your tank use dynamite to remove them. Thats a period at the end of that sentence.

[Caesar777]

What's the point, mrabolli? Try adding something useful.

[Rene]

I need to get some more for my tank, as the population has taken a hit from my pet mantis. I love the small species as detritavores.

[mrabolli]

Ditto Caesar

[mrabolli]

Oh BTW you sound like a real ass too!

[Caesar777]

I meant you, silly-buns! :teehee:

[mrabolli]

so did I silly buns

[steelhealr]

...now, back to our show (bristle worms). SH