What the heck is this thing?

[hillbillyreefer]

I'm not sure how to describe this worm type thing that came out of my LR today. Worm like about 2" to 3" long 1/4"wide, flat, white, hundreds of legs that look hair like. Crawled out of a hole in the rock looked around for a while then went back in. Couldn't get a picture. Anyone have an idea what the heck it may be, good or bad?

First reef tank, I'm kinda like a nervous parent.

Brad

[bv_reefer]

sounds like a bristleworm, i have 2 of them crawling around my rock too. the vast majority are strictly detrivorous eating left over foods and such, i'm pretty sure one of the only ones that eat coral are the rare caribbean fireworm, so yes there good but don't touch them as they have a nasty sting i've heard, alot of people consider them as part of there clean of crew, but mine are only 1/2'' each so i can't imagine them being of any noticeable help...yet...

[marie]

Not sure what it is but here are a couple of links identifying common hitchhikers

http://www.melevsreef.com/id/

http://www.xtalworld.com/Aquarium/hitchfaq.htm

[hillbillyreefer]

Thanks for the quick replies. It is a bristle worm. A good thing.

Brad