I have worms and I'm not sure what I should do about them

scubasteve3610 · 10-14-2009, 10:52 PM

Hey TRT
I’m not sure how concerned I should be but just recently I’ve noticed a couple of worms wondering around on my live rock and star polyps. I’ve tried taking a couple of pics of them but I can not get a clear photo of them due to my crappie camera. Currently they are about a inch big, light orange in color with white legs that run the length of there body.

Will these guys be a problem? If so what should I do to get rid of them?

fox2589 · 10-14-2009, 10:57 PM

sounds like bristleworms..and they are beneficial to the system for the most part..eating left overs and detritus..but they can become a problem is your overrun with them-drew

fox2589 · 10-14-2009, 10:57 PM

sounds like bristleworms..and they are beneficial to the system for the most part..eating left overs and detritus..but they can become a problem if your overrun with them-drew

Fat Tony · 10-14-2009, 11:21 PM

yes, bristleworms... whatever you do, don't touch them with your bare hands

scubasteve3610 · 10-15-2009, 08:10 AM

Thanks - I'll keep an eye on them

Elegance Coral · 10-16-2009, 10:41 AM

Is your LR from south Florida? There is a species of bristle worm that's very common around the FL. Keys that's orange/red with white tufts of bristles allong its sides. We typically call these "Fire worms". They can get kinda large and can cause problems. Google "fire worm" and click on images. If this is what you have you will want to remove them. Like Tony said though. Don't touch them. There's a reason we call them Fire worms.