Red Worm Identification

[SLA]

Hello, 

 

I'm wondering if anyone can confirm what types of worms these are? I've been searching all over and I keep getting sent all over the place. I thought I had identified them previously as a harmless worm, but my interns apparently have been getting stung by them (and they just decided to tell me months after the fact). 

 

 

[WV Reefer]

17 minutes ago, SLA said:

Hello, 

 

I'm wondering if anyone can confirm what types of worms these are? I've been searching all over and I keep getting sent all over the place. I thought I had identified them previously as a harmless worm, but my interns apparently have been getting stung by them (and they just decided to tell me months after the fact). 

 

 

Looks like a spaghetti worm.......Some types of them can irritate corals. 

[SLA]

I originally identified it as that, but then I saw some videos of parasitic Camallanus worms and didn't know if it was them. I've never seen my fish expelling worms though. I have a flounder in the tank and there are so many of these in the sand so I'm concerned they will harm it. I'm researching various trapping methods so I can get rid of them. 

[resortez]

23 hours ago, WV Reefer said:

Looks like a spaghetti worm.......Some types of them can irritate corals. 

+1. Not sure what type of setup you have but if you can house a wrasse fish, certain types of wrasses like Halichoeres will help in controlling the worms. I know arrow crabs are great in controlling bristle worms but not sure if it will go for the spaghetti & if you try an arrow crab, make sure you don’t have any fish that might eat the crab.

[Tamberav]

On 3/3/2020 at 12:38 PM, SLA said:

I originally identified it as that, but then I saw some videos of parasitic Camallanus worms and didn't know if it was them. I've never seen my fish expelling worms though. I have a flounder in the tank and there are so many of these in the sand so I'm concerned they will harm it. I'm researching various trapping methods so I can get rid of them. 

 

Camallanus worms are mostly freshwater. Chances are this is a hair/spaghetti worm, looks just like the ones I have. 

[mcarroll]

Spaghetti worm....supposed to be IN THE TANK tho....not on paper.  😉

 

Was worth money before.  👍

 

Add 6 Mama Mia Worms, just $19.95 - Indo-Pacific Sea Farms

www.ipsf.com › reefworms

 

FYI....

Waikīkī Aquarium » Spaghetti Worms

www.waikikiaquarium.org › experience › animal-guide › invertebrates

 

 

[SLA]

On 3/4/2020 at 1:41 PM, Tamberav said:

 

Camallanus worms are mostly freshwater. Chances are this is a hair/spaghetti worm, looks just like the ones I have. 

Good to know about the Camallanus worms. Thank you! 

[SLA]

On 3/4/2020 at 12:44 PM, resortez said:

+1. Not sure what type of setup you have but if you can house a wrasse fish, certain types of wrasses like Halichoeres will help in controlling the worms. I know arrow crabs are great in controlling bristle worms but not sure if it will go for the spaghetti & if you try an arrow crab, make sure you don’t have any fish that might eat the crab.

I have Mojarra in there and a flounder currently. I had a stone crab and arrow crab, but I think stone crab ate the arrow. I released the stone because it was getting big and picking on everyone. I have a new arrow crab in quarantine that I plan on adding next week. Hopefully those worms will keep it fat and happy.