Bristleworm debate

[Bblinks]

This is a very controversial topic as must reefer will tell you that they are primarily scavengers. For the most part it's true. When my tank is getting feed that's when they are the most active even if its day time. I have also witnessed larger bristle worm take down large chucks of droppings from aquarium habitants on several occasions. I think the real question is how are those worm appeal to each individual reefer. I myself don't like them and if I have a chance to catch larger specimen I will do so, I do tend to leave the smaller ones alone 1. Because I can't get them. 2. They do clean up all the left over food. So my conclusion is; I don't like them especially when there are size of a garden snake, I will catch any of them if I can but I don't set up campaigns to eradicate every single worm in the tank which you are probably fighting a losing battle anyways.

[Blom]

Thanks for the reply, I kind of have the same feelings. Not to mention they are absolutely hideous in my view. Since last night I have either seen another fairly large one, that or the original guy is much longer than I thought. I think I will try and get rid of him/them. Any idea on the best route to go on this? Im thinking trying to trap him would be the "easiest" method. How have others had success on this.

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by Blom

Thanks for the reply, I kind of have the same feelings. Not to mention they are absolutely hideous in my view. Since last night I have either seen another fairly large one, that or the original guy is much longer than I thought. I think I will try and get rid of him/them. Any idea on the best route to go on this? Im thinking trying to trap him would be the "easiest" method. How have others had success on this.

The best way to get rid of them is with nylon stocking, wrap a piece of shrimp in the middle and leave it overnight. The little bristles that protects them will also be there demise, worms goes in but they dont come out.

[Wayne]

Originally Posted by Bblinks

The best way to get rid of them is with nylon stocking, wrap a piece of shrimp in the middle and leave it overnight. The little bristles that protects them will also be there demise, worms goes in but they dont come out.

+1 for trap idea. I personally would be happy never to see another bristle. I have allergic reactions to them when I get nailed by one. So now I trap, physically remove and I also have a 6 line and a Banded coral shrimp

[lastlight]

I caught a large one (7" or so) in a bottle when I was trying to catch my cleaner shrimp before a red bug treatment. I was going to default to removing it but couldn't think of a good reason to so back in he went. I foolishly tossed it onto my favia which was left with a ton of bristles I also see my royal gramma from time-to-time with a full beard of the things.

I'd toss one if I ever had the chance again.

[Cal_stir]

we have a 6 incher, scares the wife, she thinks it's a snake, mainly hangs out in the zoa garden, never bothers anything, excellent scavenger, keep it. the zoas where it hangs out are the healthiest zoas in our tank

[Blom]

Well I didnt get a chance last night to pull the worm out of the tank. Which is a shame because I woke up to a blue legged hermit crab torn to little bits.