PnutWrmIDFAQs

Sipunculids, Peanut Worm, Identification FAQs

Related Articles: Worms, Polychaetes, Flatworms/Planaria,

Sea creature ID 1/17/18
Hi,
I found this creature on the beach at Sorrento, a town on Port Philip Bay, near Melbourne, Southeast Australia.
It looks like a sea cucumber, but I have searched the net, including your site, and haven't found any that are white.
It measured about 15cm end to end.
Could it be an albino? Or not a sea Cuke at all, but something else?
Thanks,
Daniel
<Looks too smooth to be a Sea Cucumber... my guess is on a worm group. Perhaps a Sipunculid, Echiuran.
Bob Fenner>

Weird invert buried in sand Id help? 12/12/17
I was raking my sand with my Python and I started sucking up one of my Fighting Conch or tiger conch and it looked like the Conch was attached to this thing or just next to it Quinta dentley <Coincidentally?> but I thought it was just the
Conch having a really long sexual experience but it turns out it was its own thing I have no idea what this thing is I do have a bristle worm issue in my tank but it wasn't near a lot of them and it does not look nothing like a bristle worm maybe it's some sort of bristle worm machine I don't know maybe you guys can
Thank You!
<Neato! This appears to be a Sipunculid... not harmful; indeed, indicative of healthy circumstances in your system. Bob Fenner>

Peanut worm question. Comp. 6/19/15
Hello, WWM crew!
<Joshua>
I just wanted to ask a quick question that I was unable to find an answer for. Do you think a Dwarf Angelfish or 6-line Wrasse would be likely to eat a Peanut worm?
<Only if the worm were very small>
Somewhat of an odd question I suppose, but I've been thinking about adding one of the two fish into my tank, and would
like to know if there is any risk. I've had a Peanut worm living in my LR for about three years now, and he is just as big a member of the tank as the fish. Any help with my wormy friend would be appreciated. Thanks!
<I do think they'll all get along. Bob Fenner>
re: Peanut worm question.
Good to hear. Thanks for the quick response, Bob. :)
<Welcome Josh>

Re: In need of an ID 2/19/15
<Mmm; thank you for providing the MOV... this is a worm of some sort...
will have to check when am not so tired.
Bob Fenner>
Re: In need of an ID 2/20/15
<Though it should be "in the substrate" the movement and oral appendages of this animal remind me of a Sipunculid, a Peanut Worm. Bob Fenner>

Re: In need of an ID 2/21/15
Thanks for the reply,
I had a good laugh at the name, but I guess it could be, I will keep an eye on it, do some reading on this, Sipunculid - Peanut worm.
P.s
My husband and I love your book. The book that turned us into reefers.
<The pleasure!>
Thanks again,
Sara Hartley
<Ah, cheers! BobF>

ID help 1/30/15
Can you help me ID this please
Your help is greatly appreciated
Katie Bramlett
<Appears to be a Sipunculid; a peanut worm; though it might be an Echiuran. Bob Fenner>

Peanut Worm? Yes! 4/27/12
Hello again Crew!!
<Hello Eric! Lynn here this afternoon, how may I help you?>
I once again have a question I hope you might help me with.
<Fire away.>
I recently noticed a new mysterious creature moving in and out of my live rock. After perusing your various worm ID links, I believe it might be a peanut worm.
<It is! It’s a sipunculid, otherwise known as a peanut worm.>
I have not been able to get a really good look at the entire thing all at once though. It seems to be similar to an earthworm in body texture and shape.
<Yes, sipunculids do have a worm-like appearance but one thing that separates them from earthworms and bristleworms is their lack of a segmented body. Indeed, sipunculids are in a completely different phylum (Sipuncula) than earthworms and bristleworms (Annelida).>
I cannot identify any "bristles" like the many pictures of bristle worms I looked at.
<Nope, these are mostly smooth, soft-bodied creatures that lack “stinging bristles”.>
I have not seen its mouth open myself, but my wife said she saw it open briefly and compared it to a dandelion flower when it has turned all white, and is waiting for a wind to blow the seeds away.
<Yep, that’s a fairly apt description!>
When stretched across the rock it appears to be approximately six or seven inches long.
<Offhand, that sounds like a big one but these guys can extend to impressive lengths.>
When I removed a rock it was in and shined a light down the hole it seemed to have contracted to approximately one inch or so in size. It does not like light of any kind and will quickly retreat from it.
<Yep, this is typical.>
I have only witnessed it being active at night.
<This is also typical behavior.>
Late last night I was able to take some pictures of it which I will include.
<Thanks, but could you please reduce these photos to several hundred KB and resend?>
Please note the small white attachments on the body. Are these tentacles or possibly parasites?
<Sipunculids can have parasites, but typically they’re internal. What you’re seeing is most likely innocuous, possibly some detritus; I wouldn’t worry about it.>
If you are able to identify this I would be grateful as usual. Also any advice on actions I should take or avoid with regards to this animal to promote the safety and health of my tank would be appreciated.
<Peanut worms are harmless, beneficial, neat little creatures, so I say enjoy! For more information, please see the following link:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm >
My continued gratitude for your assistance,
<It was my pleasure.>
Eric
<Take care, Lynn Z>

Re: Peanut Worm? Yes! 4/27/12
Thank you so much Lynn!!
<You’re very welcome!>
I am very pleased to have confirmation on the identity. May I assume that this means you already saw the pictures
<I sure did.>
...and if so would you still like me to reduce and resend them?
<No need, we got your second email with the reduced file sizes, so we’re good to go.>
Also I had an auto reply that said this email had been blocked permanently due to the size of the photos the first time I tried to send it so I sent you another duplicate email from a yahoo account.
<Ah, that explains it.>
I apologize for the duplicate post and please disregard the other email.
<No worries, Yahoo must have reduced the photos before sending so it all worked out in the end.>
Thank you again
<You’re most welcome.>
.. and let me know if you need the pictures resent.
<No need, it’s all good!>
Sincerely,
Eric
<Take care, Lynn Z>

Strange Creature 3/13/12
Pardon my crudeness, but what the heck is this creature that I found lurking in my tank?
<One of two things, either a Sipunculid worm aka peanut worm or a detached tentacle from an anemone or Euphyllia coral. Jordan>

Re: Strange Creature, Sipunculid 3/14/12
I have no anemones, so I'm guessing it could be this worm. If it is, is it
harmful in any way?
<They are harmless. Read more here--
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs .htm Jordan>

Worm ID 6/29/2011
Hi guys.
<Hello Leon>
I love your advice and willingness to help out people with questions. Your honest answers are amazing.
<Thank you, much appreciated.>
When I was doing some aquarium maintenance I found this (see picture) it appears to be a worm or larvae can you help me identify it? It is about 2 inches long.
<Appears to be a Sipunculid, a Peanut Worm. In the future, please do not send large photo files, resize to a couple of hundred kilobytes.>
Thanks.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Mystery worm ID 6/11/11
Hello WWM crew!
My name is Justin and I work at a local pet store. I'm currently attempting to become our aquatics specialist.
So to start off we usually have people come in with pictures or mysterious creatures from their RT that are found, so we can Id them. Today however, a young lady brought in a worm that I haven't seen in any book that we carry.
Its about 6 inches long when fully stretched out and has very fine feather duster-like tip.
<? Need a close up photo of this>
Its almost zebra striped with black and white sections. The odd part is that it retracts it's tip into itself like if you had pulled a pair of jeans inside out.
<Mmm...>
I did see a submission that sounded close to what I have presented you with, and you couldn't come up with an answer. The reason why I have resubmitted you with this question is because I have a picture and was hoping that it would be enough to help you with the answer.
Thanks
Justin R.
Mystery worm ID pic
http://cid-478c7353c7805235.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=4
78C7353C7805235!105&type=5&Bpub=SDX.Photos&Bsrc=Photomail&authkey=C*9PgYN9vL
I%24
<I suspect this may be a member of the Echiura, though I see no example image via Google. Bob Fenner>

Re worm id... a vote for a peanut, nee Echiuran 6/13/2011
Hi Bob & crew,
<Alexander>
I saw this image today on WWM and think that it could be a peanut worm - the description of the feeding apparatus and the striped introvert would suggest as much.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WormPIX/Echiuran%20Sausage%20Worms/IMAG0017-1%20worm%20id.jpg
Alex
<Is also one of "next" guesses. Thanks, BobF>

Worm ID? 5/20/10
Hi, Great site you have, very informative!
I am in the process of setting up a 12 gallon Nano tank. I have been using a red light at night to find cool hitchhikers on my new live rock. I saw this worm last night and was able to snap this picture before he retreated back into the rock. It only comes out in the dark, approximately a little over an inch long and gray in color. What type of worm is it? Is it safe?...thanks!
<Can't tell from your image, even enhanced, enlarged... is this animal segmented? Does it have any visible lateral processes? Apparent labial or cephalic structures? Bob Fenner>

Worm ID?, Sipunculid 5/20/10
Hi, Great site you have, very informative!
<Thanks.>
I am in the process of setting up a 12 gallon Nano tank. I have been using a red light at night to find cool hitchhikers on my new live rock. I saw this worm last night and was able to snap this picture before he retreated back into the rock. It only comes out in the dark, approximately a little over an inch long and gray in color. What type of worm is it? Is it safe?...thanks!
<Looks like a Sipunculid, aka a Peanut worm, harmless to beneficial.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm >
<Chris>
Re: Worm ID?
Thank you so much for your quick response!
<Welcome>
<Chris>

Odd Looking Worm: Sipunculid -- 5/26/09
Hi there!
<Hello!>
I have searched all over the Internet, including your website, for information on this one type of worm that I have found in my saltwater fish tank. The size is 30 gallons. I have one Tomato Clown, one Blue Damsel, one Yellow Watchman Goby, and a feather duster. I also have an assortment of copepods and Fireworms.
<Okay>
However, today I noticed a very odd worm. It looks like a sack with a long appendage on one end and a short and sharp point on the other end. It's about 1/4 of an inch when it is all "rolled up" (which is seems to "roll up inside of its skin") and 3 inches when it's all stretched out. It seems to take its long snake-like end and bury into the sand very quickly, and disappears fast. It really looks like a maggot,
<Eeuwww!>
..as no feet or suckers as visible. The color is like sand. I have attached a picture. I would like to know what this is, or at least what your best guess is. I attempted to take a picture of it inside of a cup, but I had to settle for a picture of it inside the net since the flash was too bright. However, when it was in the cup, I noticed it crawling up the side of the cup into air, almost 80 or 90% out of the water.
<Good news -- what you have is a very common and harmless hitchhiker called a Sipunculid, aka a "Peanut Worm". Please see WWM for more information, starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm .
Here's another excellent link as well: http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=sipunculid >
Thank you very much for the help! :)
<You're very welcome! Take care, LynnZ>

Re: Odd Looking Worm: Sipunculid -- 5/26/09
<Hi Jeremy, Lynn here again.>
Thank you very much for the prompt reply and valuable information!
<It was a pleasure! Peanut worms are neat little creatures. If you have a chance, take a look at the rockwork in your tank after the lights have been out for an hour or two. A flashlight with a red lens is best, but a regular one will do in a pinch (especially if you can dial the beam to something less than laser-like). You might be surprised how many critters are out and about, including the peanut worms. They look like elephant trunks sticking out of crevices in the rock, sniffing around on nearby surfaces. That is, until they see the bright light of a flashlight. At that point, they retract back into their homes in nothing flat!>
I will certainly be visiting your site more often.
<Excellent! Please let us know if there's anything else we can do for you.>
Regards,
Jeremy Buff
<Take care, LynnZ>

worm id, Peanut 4/8/09
I've seen this worm on numerous occasions after the lights go out.
Usually it retracts when I put a flashlight on it but tonight it kept on going. I ended up capturing it. Greenish in color with light yellow bands. I would guess it is approximately 14" in length.
Thank you
Rick
<Looks to me to be a Sipunculid. See here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>

What is it? Peanut Worm! 1/19/09 <Hello there, Lynn here this evening.> I have a couple of these "worms" in my saltwater fish tank. <Neat> They don't like light, <No kidding. They really hate flashlights!> they stretch out to 5 inches. I was just wondering if they were bad or if I should be concerned about them. <No need for concern. They're harmless, beneficial little Sipunculids, aka 'peanut worms'. Please see WWM for more information, starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm Here's another excellent link as well: http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=sipunculid Take care, Lynn>

Peanut Worm (Sipunculid)- 3/4/08 <Hi there!> After researching and reading several articles I finally found pictures, on your site, of the creature I was trying to identify. <Yay!> Although I haven't seen the main body, I'm certain I have a peanut worm living in my Live rock. <Excellent> My question involves multiple worms. Is it common to have more than one worm living in the same hole? <It's not something I've seen or heard of (until now!) in aquaria, but they do sometimes group together in the wild in very high numbers indeed. Barnes' Invertebrate Zoology tome states that densities as high as 700 per square meter of rock have been reported in Hawaii. That's a lot of peanuts! Whether any share the same hole, I couldn't tell you. However, it does say something about their tolerance for close proximity to each other.> I have three of the "elephant trunks", coming out of the same small area, working on the rock independently of each other. <Interesting> (These things remind me of the creature in the movie Tremors, kinda creeped me out at first, I thought "now this can't be good" lol) <Heheee! I know what you mean. Thankfully, these won't chase, hurt, or otherwise try to eat you or any of the critters in your tank!> Thanks for your help and maintaining an excellent resource for us newbies! <You're most welcome, thanks for sharing your observations! Take care, -Lynn>

Worm or snake? 12/28/07 <Hello Heather and Mr. Vice President... Mich here asking to be pardoned for the long delay in response.> We are setting up a reef tank (65 gallons) and have been at this for about 2 months. Two days ago we noticed this little guy. <Well I didn't invent the Internet or win a Noble Prize, but is sure looks like a Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.) to me!> We've seen him stretched out about 2" in length. He doesn't seem to be particularly afraid of the light and will only go back into hiding whenever we try to go anywhere near him. Is he friend or foe to the reef tank? <The convenient truth, is he is a friend!> Thank you for your assistance. Heather Cleaveley & Al Gore <Welcome! Michelle Lemech>

Worm or snake... Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.) 12/29/2007 You are pardoned Mich. <Thank you kindly!> But don't really think my Al Gore can pardon anyone. <Heehee! But I bet he improves your chances of getting a dinner reservation!> Thank you very much for your assistance. <Welcome! Mich>
Heather

Worm Identification? -- 10/04/07 Sorry for the blurry pics, but I was hoping you might get enough to help me figure out if this is a good or bad worm. He only comes out at night and the minute my flash goes off he is sucked up back in his hole. The worm appears to be brown with white stripes. I would have to guess it is more than 8 inches long, just how long I have no idea. When it is extending, it appears to be coming out of itself. The head part looks sort of like a short thick white feather duster when it comes out but it almost immediately goes back into itself and repeats this action over and over. It always comes out of the same hole every night, never ventures. Thanks for all of your help! Bellinda <Does it look like a Sipunculid to you: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm BobF>

Re: Worm Identification? 10/5/07 <Hi Bellinda, Lynn here this time! Bob's off diving - lucky fellow!> Thank you so much for your quick response. <On behalf of Bob, you're very welcome.> I have never seen it when it is not stretched out so it is hard to tell. It stays in a hole in the rock all of the time and only comes out at night. <Typical of Sipunculids/Peanut Worms. I love these little guys. They remind me of elephant trunks, the way they appear to snuffle around looking for food - and wow, do they not like it when you shine a flashlight on them! It's amazing how quickly they can retract back into their little abodes (not that I blame them!). They vary in color from shades of gray, brown, black, or white - some with bands of those same colors, some without.> However, I do believe that is what it is. I'm assuming from what I read that it is safe to leave this worm in my aquarium. <Absolutely. Sipunculids/peanut worms are harmless, beneficial, little detritivores, and a joy to have/watch!> Thanks Bellinda
<You're most welcome! -Lynn>

Hi Guys I Need Some Help Identifying This Item...Me Too! 9/10/07 Hi guys <Hi Chris, Mich here.> I need some help identifying this item... <Me too!> He showed up on some live rock and looks like he is boring his way through the rock, he seems to be eating a 1/3" hole in the rock. <This seems unlikely to me. I suspect it is just living in the hole. But could be wrong. Why do you say it appears to be eating a hole in the rock?> Its brown and about 1" tall with a 1/3" circumference. I have had a tough time trying to describe it to search for it, also turned up no results on Google and other aquarium related boards. <Well how about 20 questions? Does it react to touch or light? How does it feel? Hard, soft, smooth, rubbery? Does it move? If so how does it move? Fast? Slow? Does it appear to have a shell? Can you get a picture from a different angle? Are you using the macro feature (symbol usually looks like a flower) on your camera? Can you provide any more description, distinguishing features? My best guess, and is only a guess, is some type of sea cucumber. Mich> Chris Edwards

Likely a Sipunculid... RMF

Worm ID'¦ Sipunculid 8/22/07 Thank you for your time, <Welcome, Mich here.> I've been visiting your site for a few years and I absolutely love it, <Nice to hear!> but this is my first question. As a background, I decided to try a 10g tank since I had to leave my 150g and 55g at my parent's house because of the frequency of me moving. I got some sand and rocks from the 150g and started it. It did ok for a while and put in 5-6 hermit crabs and two snails. I realized though that one cannot maintain a tank when it evaporates 10-15% of its volume a day so I took out the snails and crabs and started to take out the rocks when I found a worm hanging out of the bottom of one of them. It looked very cool so I figured I could try and keep it alive. I positioned the rock so I could see it better but it disappeared after a couple days and I couldn't find, and thought it had died. I kept doing top-offs and the powerhead and lights just to see, but after a couple weeks I again decided to break down the tank. I stopped topping off and the volume cut in half. All of a sudden the worm reappeared in the same hole in the rock, slowly extending itself, possibly probing the sand. This thing had lived through very bad water quality to this point. It could retract similar to an earthworm but had more of a nub at the end resembling a mouth to my guess. I didn't have any ro water or supplies since I was breaking the tank down and sadly had to watch the little guy die over a couple days, not having any time to take it to my parents or knowledge of its good or badness. <Was a good one.> The constricted black ring formed right before he died. I pulled him out and inspected. The front end, left side of the ruler picture, was light blue with small specks and the back end, second picture, was white with black spots, which I found are tiny barbs. The back end was pretty deep in the rock and almost anchored in. Sorry this is so long, but even with the Internet I couldn't convince myself what it was and I find it very fascinating. <From your description and images I am fairly certain this was a Peanut worm (Sipunculid spp.). Sipunculids are beneficial detritus feeders. You can see some similar images here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pnutwrmidfaqs.htm Thanks a lot, <Welcome! Mich> Adam p.s. I have a larger version of the ruler shot, about 600kbs that shows some better detail including some internal organs if you're interested. <Sure! Please send along, will be posted.>

Unknown Marine Life, Sipunculid? - 03/17/2006 Hi Bob, <Josh here. Sorry for the delay here.> I am hoping you can shed some light on the identity of the critter in the attachments. <I'll try.> I found him accidentally while relocating a piece of live rock. This rock is home to a toad stool that our maroon clown decided should live somewhere else! <The nerve!> I am wondering 2 things, what is this creature and should he remain a welcome resident in our reef tank? If you happen to know I would be grateful for your insight. <Well Dawn, I'm not 100% positive here but noticed that you've re-sent this yesterday, and are still waiting. I would say this is a Sipunculid or Peanut worm. Try throwing those terms into a search.> Thank you so much for all of the knowledge and humor you have provided since I have discovered the passion of Marine Aquaria! <Thank you for allowing us to "spout off" to any who will listen.> God Bless you, Dawn Borgstrom <And you. - Josh> <<I forgot to add, if this is in fact a Peanut worm, it's completely harmless and very beneficial. - Josh>>

Spectacular Sipunculids! - 09/03/2005 Hello Wet Web Crew! <Ahoy thar, matey!> Just had a quick question for you. I was wondering if this looked like a Peanut Worm to you. <Yup. Sure does.> I've searched the internet and found a few pictures of Peanut Worms that looked like this, and several which did not match. If you have an idea what it is, could you also tell me if this is a harmful species to have in my tank? <This does indeed look like a Sipunculid to me. I think they're the coolest worms out there.> Should I search the live rock to find and remove any more that might linger? <Nope. Just observe and enjoy.> Thank you. very much for your time! I really appreciate it! <You bet.>
Tina
<Wishing you well, -Sabrina>

Sipunculan Hello! <Hey, Mike G here> I have what looks to be some sort of deep-sea-looking worm thing in my aquarium. <You have no idea how common that is in this wonderful hobby :-) > My pictures are a bit lacking, but could you give me a hint as to how to go about identifying this creature? <Your pictures are fine for identification of this specimen.> The most significant characteristic I've observed is that to retract back into the rock, he inverts himself and crawls back inside his own body... what a party trick, huh? It's like when you take a long balloon (the kind they turn into animals) and push with your finger on the end so it goes "inside" of itself. <He is a Sipunculan, more commonly referred to as a Peanut Worm. Harmless, benign, and entertaining.> I like him 'cause he seems to get along with my fish (one yellow-tailed damsel, one tomato clown, one royal Gramma.) Is he dangerous? <Not in the least.> If not, I don't want him to be eaten, so are there any types of fish I should avoid adding? <Butterflies, triggers, wrasses, and possibly Dwarf Angels will make a quick snack of him if provided with the opportunity.>

A Wacky Worm! Dear Crew: <Hi there! Scott F. here today!> Hello again! Just a quick ID here if it is not too much trouble. I tried to keep the .Jpg size as small as possible:-) I just ordered 50lbs of NANO size Marshall Island rock. I placed the rock in a couple small QT tanks so I can make sure of it before adding to my already settled main display tank without any problems. <Excellent procedure!> On day 2, this little thing made its' way to the front of the glass. Any ideas what it could be? Thank you so much in advance for all of your help! Steve <Well, Steve- it looks to me to be a Sipunculid, commonly known as a "Peanut Worm" (Now, ask yourself- does that thing look like a peanut to you?). They are fairly common on South Pacific rock, and are essentially harmless detritivores or suspension feeders. It will eventually settle back into the rock or substrate if it is healthy. They do best in situations where supplemental "feeding" systems, such as refugia, are connected to the main tank, or where you have a thriving reef system. Enjoy this oddity! Regards, Scott F>

Worm ID 3/26/04 Hello Crew: My 45 SW system has been up and running trouble free for about 9 months now. About 90% of my insight and direction has been from this website, and Calfo and Fenner's amazing Reef Inverts book. I thank you so much for everything. <your success is our impetus> Tonight I noticed a little worm hiding in a sweet cave in one of my larger rocks. I can only see about 3 inches total of it in the opening of the cave feeling around. It looks like it is black and white striped width wise, not length wise. <tough to discern from the pic (distance/clarity of the image) but is does sound like it could be the browsing of a Sipunculid peanut worm (hobby-common species are often striped as such)> It's body almost seems telescopic in nature, and has a tiny circular ending (almost looks like a mouth of some sort). I hope the pic I am including is visible enough to see. Any info would be great on this little guy! Steve <best regards, Anthony>

What is this? Dear Bob, Anthony, or Steven, I was hoping you could help me out with identification of what I think is some variety of worm? I have enclosed 2 pictures, though they r not crystal clear, they give you a good basic look at the creature. The first photo is lightly circled in red and the other picture is of it feeding on the acrylic wall. Things I have noticed: 1. Cannot stand light. 2. Has a minute dark green spot at the end of each lobe, which I believe are either mouths or sensors because it searches the substrate (seeming like a snake sniffing the air when it sticks its forked tongue out) and also at times if you look real close you can see the detritus it is collecting by use of its internal conveyor belt. 3. As for its size, it can easily stretch 18 inches long in search for food. Its coloring and shape is comparable to that of Caulerpa taxifolia runners, maybe a tad thinner and bit more translucent. Also, when it is roaming slowly across the substrate, you can tell it is sticky much like the 'sticky hand' toy that kids play with (hand with stretchy arm that kids fling and the hand attaches to pretty much anything). 4. Finally, it retreats very quickly inside a hole in the rock (Fiji rock) no bigger than a pin (it is attached inside that hole), folding its lobes neatly before slinking out of sight. I have never seen anything like this in any books, nor have I heard anyone having such an interesting organism. It reminds me of a Terebellid 'spaghetti' worm with the way it feeds, but without the mass of tentacles. Yet is shaped like a snake's forked tongue, with the size and translucent glow of a Euphyllia ancora sweeper tentacle. I'm sure you probably know what it is if anyone does and I am sorry if this may seem a bit jumbled, just trying to give you as much information as possible in a hopeful i.d. Thank you so much, <we appreciate the attempt at the photo, my friend... it can be so helpful. Alas... the creature is still too vague in the image. Please do try for a better photo and perhaps post the description on reef central for Dr Ron Shimek... he is a specialist in low life forms (insert you own joke here). In sand beds and rock, that is <G>>

What is That? II Steve Pro, Glad you had a great Father's Day and welcome to the world of parenting. Such a wonderful experience do enjoy every minute! <She is a joy!> I looked on the WWM and found a picture of a Bristle Worm and that is not what I have living in my overflow. The worm I have is all smooth. No leggy things. But still creepy looking. Sorry snakes and creepy crawlies give me the CREEPS. Looks to have a stomach or something towards the end of it, fatter at the bottom if that makes sense. <When you want to know about worms, snails, and other critters, you need to go to the expert, Dr. Ron Shimek. Take a look and try to work through his "Key" to animal ID, http://www.rshimek.com/Invertebrate%20Key%20to%20Major%20Taxa.htm If it lives in an aquarium, you should be able to find it there.> Thank you, Lori <You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

What is That? Conclusion Thank you Steven Pro I was able to find it and quite quickly I might add, this is a great site thanks for the info. It is a Sipunculan or Peanut Worm should I leave it be in the overflow? <Sure> Thanks, Lori <You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Awwww.....nuts! Peanut (worms) that is 4/19/03 [AKA... "Excuse me, Miss... but there's a Sipunculid in my soup."] Hey, Thanks for the reply. I took your advice and looked at tons of pics and descriptions of how different worms act, and I am pretty sure it is some type of peanut worm. <Ahhh... very cool. A Sipunculid> He hangs from his hole in the base of the rock and retracts into himself with lightning speed when you shine a flash light on him. If this is a peanut worm then most of what I read is that they are beneficial and should be left in the tank. Do you agree with this conclusion? <very much agreed... good sleuthing> Thanks again for your time, Shawn <always welcome, my friend. And do peep a pic of an exposed worm, attached here... quite fascinating. Anthony>

Peanut worm? I found this worm in the intake of a powerhead that was running an undergravel filter in my marine aquarium. It is about 4 inches long and brown in color, looks similar to earthworm but not glossy instead it appears to have a rougher texture, maybe even hairs on it, a leathery appearance. I looked at the pictures of the peanut worm on Shimek's site, it looks very similar but is a much darker brown, is it likely the same type of worm? <It is indeed... a Peanut Worm... A Sipunculid> I took this one out because I didn't know what it was and it startled me, plus when I pulled it out it tore in two pieces. In the future if I find more should I leave it in the tank and where, just put in the sand or on the live rock? <Interesting animals, completely harmless... I'd leave it/them in place> Is it beneficial at all to the tank or harmful? Thank you very much. Kylee Peterson <Put the terms, "Peanut Worm" or "Sipunculid" in your search engines. Bob Fenner>

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