Critter growing on clam, is it hazardous and if so how best to remove?

[jostafew]

Hey everyone, I just recently noticed that my clam's mantle seems to be receding exposing the white shell underneath. Will look closer at water params etc. to try to resolve that. On further inspection I noticed what looks like a tubeworm of some sort growing on the side of its shell underneath an area of the mantle that the clam likes to keep elevated. I'm guessing that this worm is irritating the clam and should be removed, but what's the best way to do that? See pics below.

Thanks for the assistance.