Hitchhiker - good or bad?

[mark.payton]

Hi again, I’ve done some moving around of my rocks and noticed this little red guy.  At first it just looked like an algae but when it was distributed it recoiled into the rock.  Can anyone enlighten me as to what it might be?

[mark.payton]

To add…I am in the process of killing Aptasia using berghia, but this looks different than the other Aptaisia.

[mark.payton]

And here is what I hope is one of the Brachia 

[DevilDuck]

These are bristleworms, they are common rock hitchhikers. They are considered harmless clean up crew. 

Just make sure they are not fireworms or bobbitworm which are slightly different colors. 

 

Critter Identification: Fireworms – First Time Marine Keeper

 

I've handled quite a few barehanded with no issues, But some folks get skin irritations from the bristles, so I suggest you use tongs to handle them just in case.

I remove them once they get too big and my fiancé sees them 🙂

 

 

 

[jcrisman2009]

Are you talking about this guy circled?? Its just a feather duster/tube worm and completely harmless and beneficial as they are filter feeders.