Identity in question: Worm in a rock?

[Mr. Fosi]

Just like the title says.

 

Think this is a worm of some sort?

 

[draethan]

Looks like a Sipunculida (peanut worm). They are intersting but harmless. The mouth retracks into teh body in an inverted way. unique animal but common in oceans

[andre]

Maybe a peanutworm. Harmless if it is, and good detritus eaters.

[c est ma]

I third that. Sipunculids are great to have and fascinating. They come in a few different colors and patterns, so you may find others. Try to watch it eating, and see if it doesn't unfold a little corolla of tentacle-like mouthparts at fullest extension. Their method of telescoping open/closed is also characteristic. (You may be able to observe their behavior better at night with a red flashlight, though I have some that are not "shy" and can be observed toward the end of the photoperiod while the lights are still on.

 

--Diane

[Mr. Fosi]

Their method of telescoping open/closed is also characteristic.

 

It does, indeed, telescope. I hadn't thought of it, but that is a fairly unique.

 

...some that are not "shy"...

 

This one comes while the lights are on and retracts when lit by white light.

 

I don't have a red light, but I suppose I could pic up a red LED from radioshack.

[NaughtyCashew]

I found one of those in my tank today. Scary looking buggers when they open up their mouths. Reminds me of those worms from "Tremors"

[c est ma]

Think of them as fascinating! And tireless rock cleaners. For an exercise in frustration, try to capture a photograph of the mouth at full "unfurlment." It's like trying to capture a chameleon's tongue at full extension.

 

--Diane

[formerly icyuodd/icyoud2]

i have hundreds of black and white peanut worms in my tank a couple varieties have feathers, very similar to dusters.