ID for Strange Worm on Glass

[Beverly]

Have seen this 3" worm on the glass of my 42 gal reef a few times during the day. Was so freaked by its head that all I could do was stare at it :eek: Today had the presence of mind to take a pic :cool:

Doesn't look like a bristleworm because of the "mop" head, and BWs don't usually come out in broad daylight. Photo taken at 4:30, just around feeding time. WTF is this thing?!!??


http://www.lostmymarblz.com/42gal-worm-1.jpg

[Bob I]

Absolutely no idea. It appears to be segmented. and hence possibly an Annelid :question: :question: , but if nobody here knows, why not send the picture to Dr. Ron :question: , and perhaps look in the hitchiker FAQ. Beyond that suggestion, I still don't know. :confused:

[Reef_kid]

it is a species of ...... synaptid sea cucumber feeds on organic detritus
creepy !!!!!

hace fun with it
cheers dave

[Quinn]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/invert.htm

I'm with Reef_kid on this one. Apparently a dirt eater, shouldn't cause a problem. Apparently needs a pretty big tank to do well. Looks like an ideal hitchhiker, but if you do want to get rid of him, I'd be happy to take him.

[Beverly]

Thanks for the link, Quinn :smile:

Read the article, then did a little more research on medusa worms, which is what my "friend" might be. States the animal may be toxic and may be roaming the tank during daylight because it is: a) starving, b) not worried about predators. Some medusas have a commensal relationship with specific sponges and without them, slowly starve :frown:

Here's Rob Toonen's page on medusa worms:

http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen7.html

If I see the worm again, I will contact you, if you are still interested. My 42 gal is probably not big enough for it, though there is detritus all over the place if it is a species interested in detritus. Am a little concerned it may be toxic and starving. Sure don't want this possibly toxic thing to die in my tank. Had that happen in my 180 a few years back and 3/4 of my fish were wiped out overnight :eek:

Have sent the photo to Rob Toonen for possible ID. Will let you all know what he says.