bristleworms
 

Ok, for future reference, what is a person to do if they get nailed by a bristleworm??? What sort of medical attention is required if any?

Thanks in advance :eek:

Chad

Any time I get nailed by one, I say a bad word or three and try to pick the bristles out with my teeth (which doesn't work BTW).

As a veteran of 1000 bites.. :rolleyes: some say vinegar on the bite. I tried bleach once it worked well.

Worst case scenario(provided you are not allergic) is fingers swollen, itchy and throbbing. Reactine will reduce these symptons.

my reef invertebrates book says you will experience symptoms ranging from a mild itch to severe burning sensation. Try removing embedded bristles with duct tape (the author must be canadian! LONG LIVE RED GREEN!) or to use a liquid bandage, allow it to dry and peel it off, along with the bristles.

Doesnt say "seek immediate medical attention" like it does when referencing the diadema urchin, so I guess bristleworm attacks are only annoying and not too too serious :)

Does hot water help at all? And what about crazy glue? Pour some on, let it dry, scrub it off?

I didn't know they were poisonous... that 8inch long worm I have in my tank I think just moved up to 'scary' status.. :)

do they 'attack' or did you just brush against it or something?

The hottest water you can stand will help, yes.

They don't attack you....eeeww that is scary.. :eek: I just move stuff around a lot with bare hands and get bit all the time by simply touching them. :lol:

It is a funny thing, but I have picked them up with my bare hands to remove some from my tank. I did not experience any stings at all. Maybe not everyone is sensitized :question: If I try to move my Closed Brains, or Caulastria bare handed, I get funny feelings in my fingertips. :eek:

Lots of interesting tips.. I have run into only a few tiny bristel worms myself and have kept clear of em but I am sure eventualy I will get nailed by one..

If anyone else has more tips please post them..

Chad

nobody uses aquarium gloves? :eek:

Only if the water is really cold...."brrrrr" :razz:

Seriously, a bristleworm sting is mildly irritating, nothing to wear gloves about. There is no way I could move and place things wearing those arm length gloves.

I have gloves, but they are akward and leak... which sorta defeats the purpose! :(

I hear vinager melts the bristles. Try maybe a warm vinager soulition?

I do but I find that I don't have the "touch" I need whem moving corals. I try and just drop them etc so I gave up and whenever I lift a rock I look under it etc to check for bristelworms..

Chad

Melts the bristles?? thats interesting.. anyone try that?

Chad

Well you can't pull them out so the vinager dissolves them. I've heard people use this method but I've never gotten it bad enough to try. :mrgreen:

In Jamaica we did something similar if you stepped on a Black sea urchin ... all I will say is it was acidic and effective :eek: < never thought of using vinegar though ... of course our way was cheaper :cool: >

Cheers

Hehe, not sure I want to negotiate that if I get stung by a bristleworm.. vinegar sounds like a much better choice :biggrin:

Chad

Bah, vinegar costs money. You can't tell me you don't let loose in the shower anyways. Combats athlete's foot as well!

Never been stung, But one thing i've heard of was using glue, let it dry then peel it off and the bristles should come with it.