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| Pests, Hitchhikers, and Diseases Have a pest and need help getting rid of it, or found something cool and don't know if it's good or bad? Does a Critter have an odd spot? This forum is for you! |
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10-08-2008, 07:58 PM
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#1
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squid
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 8
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bristleworms
Ok so i have had bristleworms in my tank for awhile now which i know is a good thing but recently i have been seeing 3 or 4 larger ones that are getting to be about 5-6". I am ok with all of the smaller ones but i just don't like these because i don't want to worry about being stung when cleaning my tank and i just don't like dealing with the big ones. I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advise as to a fish that will eat these big ones. Maybe a wrasse or pseudo of some type? I have read about fish that eat the smaller ones. Is there a fish that preys on the larger bristleworms too? I am not worried about destroying the population of bristleworms in my tank because i have a refugium with alot of them. I appreciate all of the help.
Thanks
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10-08-2008, 08:18 PM
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#2
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Keeper of the Kracken
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Martin, SC
Posts: 11,407
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 Welcome to TRT!!!
I believe a Sixline Wrasse or a Royal Gramma will eat them for you. I am sure that others will have more suggestions as well.
How big is your tank? I am just curious because a 5 or 6 inch worm doesn't really sound that big to me.  |
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10-08-2008, 08:25 PM
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#3
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squid
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 8
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It is a 55 gallon. I know it doesn't seem that big but they are pretty thick around. I also assume that there are many others that i have not discovered yet. Hopefuly i won't be surprised by any huge ones.
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10-08-2008, 08:35 PM
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#4
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Keeper of the Kracken
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Martin, SC
Posts: 11,407
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They are usually not that bad as far as stinging goes. It is not like they actively seek you out and sting you or anything like that. You are right to be cautious though for every one you see there are probably two or three more that you don't. The biggest thing to keep in mind is to wear gloves when working in the tank. This will usually protect you from their bristles, which are kind of like fiberglass slivers. They can be a little scary to look at sometimes, but will usually run away from you if your hand gets close to them. It is the ones you "accidentally" find while picking up a piece of live rock that will get your attention. |
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10-08-2008, 11:35 PM
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#5
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 34,178
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Welcome to TRT! They are good to have!
__________________
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10-08-2008, 11:40 PM
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#6
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squid
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 8
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lol. I know they are good. I have just never liked the larger worms. I am looking to find a fish that will eat the bigger ones if you know of one i would appreciate the help.
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10-09-2008, 09:25 AM
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#7
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spaceman spiff
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,638
Reviews: 72
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I'd be surprised if a wrasse tackles the larger worms, though surely they'll keep the population in check. You may consider simply trapping them or catching them somehow for manual removal if they really bother you that much.
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10-09-2008, 09:42 AM
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#8
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squid
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 8
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i have had a hard time trying to trap them because alot of nights i have to work and that is when they come out. I have come close to catching them, but i am just not fast enough. I have always wanted a wrasse so i was hoping for a reason to get one. Do you think that the size of the fish that preys on them makes a difference? For example would a larger wrasse, say 6inches, be more prone to eat the bigger ones then a fish that is only 3inches?
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10-09-2008, 09:26 PM
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#9
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Keeper of the Kracken
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Martin, SC
Posts: 11,407
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I think if you want to catch one manually you are going to need to use a red lens on your flashlight. Wait for all of the other lights to be out on the tank, can be night or early morning, and look for them with the red lens. That light spectrum does not seem to bother them and they will go about their business while you use something to put the snatch on them.
Best of luck with your fishing expedition if you decide to take the challenge.  |
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10-10-2008, 05:56 AM
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#10
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squid
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 8
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thanks, i think i am going to get a halecheores melanuprus wrasse because i just really like the fish and if they don't eat the big ones i will go in for the kill. What would you recommend i use to grab them to get them out of the tank?
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10-10-2008, 07:03 AM
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#11
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Keeper of the Kracken
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Martin, SC
Posts: 11,407
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Chopsticks young grasshopper! 
Honestly I would either use a large size pair of tweezers with flat tips, or a set of small tongs, or perhaps a fish net, although these may test your dexterity and patience a little. Or you could try double gloves and taking your chances that way. A non invasive method might be to put a small jar, or cup, on it's side with food in it next to where you see a big one and then see if it will go in there as well. |
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10-10-2008, 07:42 AM
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#12
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squid
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 8
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Double gloves? Are the bristles that sharp?
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10-10-2008, 08:38 AM
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#13
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spaceman spiff
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,638
Reviews: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morau89
Double gloves? Are the bristles that sharp?
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have you gotten zapped yet? I don't think they're that bad, but some people react quite a bit worse than others. they're not incredibly sharp, nothing I really worry about, but the double gloves are a good precaution.
Regarding the size of the fish, surely a larger fish will be more prone to eat the larger worms, but you've got to consider tank size before putting a larger fish in your setup. some of them arent going to do well long term, as a number of wrasses will get pretty big as they mature.
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