Long Black Worm: Nemertean – 8/25/08 Hello Everyone, <Hi there, Kayren!> This site is GREAT! <Thanks!> You have helped me identify most of the interesting things I've discovered living in my 40 gallon tank as a result of using live rock (about 35 pounds so far - I know I need more). It's been set up for about 9 months now, and going pretty well. I have an Emperor filter on the back rated for 80 gallons (containing filter floss, 2 regular carbon filters, a Poly Filter and one bag Chemi Pure). <That’s a packed filter!> I have a submersible 7 watt UV sterilizer. I will soon be getting a 350 Magnum Deluxe and a protein skimmer. I'm also using an under gravel filter with about 3 inches of gravel; crushed coral, I think. (I found out afterwards that's not particularly the best way to have gone). <Unfortunately, it’s not, but with proper attention it should be okay. Please see these links (along with related links at top of page) http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/ug5proscons.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/u_gfiltmarfaqs.htm > The occupants at the moment are a Fox Face Rabbitfish, an Olive Tang, a Sailfin Tang (they get along ok), <Unfortunately, they won’t long term. A forty gallon display doesn’t supply enough room for any one of these fish, let alone all three. They may be okay right now if they’re all very small, but as they grow they’re going to get stressed. When that time comes, you’ll very likely see increased aggression and disease issues. Please see these links (and related links above): Rabbitfish/Siganids: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/rbtfshsysfaqs.htm Tangs: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangsysfaqs.htm > ..a Mandarin Goby, <These are sometimes referred to as gobies, however they’re actually Dragonets. Also, unless it’s eating “alternative” foods (frozen Mysis, etc), you’re going to need a continual supply of small live invertebrates (amphipods, copepods). These can be obtained either through cultivation or purchase. Please see these links (and related above): http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mandarins.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/mandfdgfaqs.htm > a Yellowtail Damsel, <Can be mean little suckers!> 5 Green Chromis, 2 Red-leg Crabs, 1 Blue-leg crab; and the occupants this site helped me to identify: a Brittle Star, Spaghetti Worms, Stomatellas, Feather Duster Worms, <Nice hitchhikers.> ..as well as a few others. Question: Is it ever a good idea to just take out the airlift tubes and stop using the under gravel filter after it's been set-up, or would the water underneath the filter just get too yucky? <Could be a problem, but should be okay. What you’d have would essentially be a “plenum” Please see these links (along with related links at top of pages): http://wetwebmedia.com/Plenums.htm http://wetwebmedia.com/plenumuse.htm > The individual I encountered two days ago is the one I need your help to identify. <All right, now we get to the fun stuff!> I searched the site, but didn't find anything that sounded like it. I was using a new gravel vac (actually an Eheim Sludge remover that works really well). Shortly thereafter I noticed this LONG black worm in the gravel, but visible because it was pressed up between the glass and the gravel on the side. It looked similar to an earthworm, but without the middle part. It looked to be between 1/4 - 1/2 inches wide, perhaps about 1/2 inch in girth, and the part that I could see was about 6 inches long; I never saw the end but I could tell the worm continued past the part I could see. It didn't look like it had any legs; and what I assumed was the head portion could have been about 1/2 inch long, and looked comparable to something being wrapped in cellophane tape (maybe it's a 'tape' worm! lol). <Heheee!> After moving around a bit, it moved deeper into the gravel, but I think it's still near the glass because I think I can still see parts of it. Anyway, your expert opinion would be greatly appreciated. <LOL Well, I’m hardly an expert, but I’ll offer my opinion anyway! Your mystery creature looks like a harmless Nemertean, or Ribbon worm. Please see these links for photo comparison and more information: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ribnwrmidfaqs.htm http://www.chucksaddiction.com/hitchworms.html> I've attached a picture taken in the macro setting. <That’s wonderful, thank you.> Thanks. (My apologies if the picture is more than a few hundred Kbytes). Kayren <You’re very welcome. Take care, -Lynn>

Wondering what this is - some sort of worm? 07/07/08 hi - Just wondering if you could tell me what this thing is? When its tentacles are extended fully it is approximately 1 inch wide. Its body is between 1/4" and 3/8" long. The body is barely wider than the width of the metal of a paperclip. It moves rather quickly - it can navigate its way halfway across my 30" tank in about a minute if need be. <Ah, looks like a "medusa" worm: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/polychaetes.htm (scroll down, see after feather and bristle worms)> The colors are fairly true in the photo - the bluish tint to its legs are due to the actinic lights in the tank, however with the actinics off the legs appear to be clear (white/translucent). I found it earlier this evening after the lights had been off for 2-3 hours. Although I turned the lights on to take photos of it, it didn't instantly seek shelter from the lights... Any idea what this is, and if I find it again should I remove it promptly? <Oh no, they are good guys. And you likely have many more than just this one.> thanks again, Jason <De nada, Sara M.>

Gorgeous pix. RMF

Weird worm question... comp., ID,   4/25/08
Hello
Recently I received a Gorgonian from a major on-line retailer. After placing it in my tank I noticed a few small orangey-reddish-brown worms that look like bristleworms to me as they had a row of bristles (single) on each side (they were still in the bag with the shipping water... they did not go into my tank, but not sure if there were others that did!). They were 1/2" or less in size. However they are very similar to earwigs, especially the mouth parts. I did not get a pic... sorry! Any ideas or thoughts?
<Are likely as you state... some sort/species of Errantiate Polychaete annelids...>
I am worried that maybe there were babies or something on the rock that I missed! I spoke to the retailer and they said that they treat and quarantine all inverts for at least2 weeks and have not had any sort of problem. Am I being paranoid? HELP
I cannot find any pics of them on line!!
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/polychaecompfaqs.htm
and the linked files above... Bob Fenner>

Strange Creature... Planaria... Mmmm, flatworms   3/9/08 Hey Gang. <Hi Wuf, Mich here.> I have been trying to identify this creature for a few days. I can't for the life of me figure out what it is. They are starting to accumulate on some of my rocks. To give you an idea of scale, the specimen pictured in IDme1.jpg is right at 1/16th of an inch. Any idea? -wuf <Well the good news... Yes I can tell you what it is... The bad news... you don't want it. Is a pest, an Acoel flat worm. Yours is looking like its reaching plague proportions. You will likely need to address the situation. More here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/flatworms.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pestflatwrmanthony.htm Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Mich>

New Tank, New Live Rock, worms? Bristleworms 12/28/2007 Hi Crew~ <Hi Rachel, Mich here> Can you also please tell me what kind of creature this is? <Are Errantiate Polychaetes, Bristle worms, and generally beneficial detritivores.> I turned my light on and noticed several of these centipede things on my live rock. I just started the tank 2 weeks ago. Is this a bristle worm?? <Yes.> Should I be worried to add fish? <No.> I only have snails and 3 small hermits now. <Let your tank cycle and mature a bit. In the meantime set up a QT tank for any new livestock. More here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/QuarMarFishes.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/quarinverts.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/quaranti.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i4/quarantine/Quarantine.htm Thank you so very much for your help. I have researched so many pics but cannot find anything that looks like this. <I would not be worried here.> Sincerely, Rachel <Cheers, Mich>

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>

Search for a photo of a specific marine worm  12/16/07
Hello friends and colleagues,
I received the email below as MASNA President and I'm casting a wide net among my friends and colleagues in hopes that one of you may have an idea to help this woman out in her search. If you don't have an answer for her, please pass this along as quickly as possible to anyone you think could help. I suspect that even finding a picture of any species in the Tubificoides genus would yield something very close, but I really don't profess to know much about marine worms!
Thanks,
Cheri Phillips
MASNA President
www.masna.org
<Hi Cher... did a quick look/see via Net resources... Think these folks will have to go to a large (college with a bio. dept.) library... find the original description... If unfamiliar, I'd have a reference librarian show them how to search on BIOSIS or Zoological Abstracts... Bob Fenner>
Subject: Marine worm
My father in law, Don Maurer, did a lot of research back in the 1970s in the Chesapeake Bay. He wrote numerous journals on marine biology. Because of his dedicated work he had a marine worm named after him. The worm is called "Tubificoides Maureri". No one in the family knows what it looks like. I can't seem to find a picture on the internet of it. I was wondering if you knew where I can locate this? I wanted to frame it as a Christmas present for him. Thank you for all of your help.
-Amber Kuhn

Red worms with black Rings?   7/8/07 Hey Crew! I have searched the website, but found no definite answer. In my tank, these hair thin worms come out at night in clusters. They come up from the sand in the same spot every night. They are very thin colored pinkish red with small black rings. I am worried that they are some type of parasite that will either harm my fish or coral. If they are harmful, what would be the best way to get rid of them. Thank you very much guys. <No worries. They're most likely some kind of Terebellid polychaete or "spaghetti worm" (highly desirable and fascinating little critters). Each cluster is one worm. Those thin hair-like things are the worm's feeding tentacles. Please give no more thought to getting rid of them and do enjoy them. :) > - R Delaney <Best, Sara M.> Re: beautiful spaghetti worm 7/9/07 My bad... it's a hair worm, not a spaghetti worm. Sara <Yes. RMF> Re: Red worms with black Rings?   7/10/07 OK Great! Thank you so much. <No problem. I forgot to say it could also be a "hair worm" (Cirratulid polychaete). It doesn't really matter though. Both kinds of worms are very good to have. :-) Best, Sara M.>

Worm id... Sounds (looks???) like a Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.) – 6/12/07
Hi Crew!
<Hi Jamie!>
Hope you enjoyed your weekend.
<Mmm, I've had better... my camera is currently on the bottom of a local lake. I suspect this may delight several WWM crewmembers.>
I am hoping you can help me identify a worm I just discovered living in the live rock in my aquarium. I have attached 2 pictures, but all I have is a digital camera
<More than I have currently and I'm having photographic withdrawals.>
and it is hard to get a close picture that isn't blurred.
<Look for a macro setting... The symbol often looks like a flower/daisy. I really miss my camera!>
The "worm" is curved in the center of the picture.
<Good thing you said this, otherwise I wouldn't have had a clue!>
I am pretty sure the creature in question is not a bristle or fire worm.
<I'm pretty sure you're correct!>
This thing is smooth, white, no noticeable segments. One end attached in the live rock. Although he is curved in the attached pics, at times one end is extended and it almost appears there is a "nub" at the front end of him. The portion of him that is visible is about 1 cm long, by 3-4mm wide. Doesn't seem to be calcareous, as he is very flexible and is frequently bending from one side to another.
<Yep, I think you have a peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.), more by the sounds of it... than the looks of it.>
I have searched the FAQ's and read the related articles on WWM, but didn't see anything similar to this thing. I am reluctant to pull him out of the tank if he is beneficial, but just want to make sure he won't pose a threat to my fish.
<Peanut worms are beneficial scavengers, which feed on detritus.>
As always, thanks so much for your feedback and advice. It is greatly appreciated.
<Welcome! Mich>
Jamie

Re: Worm id... Sounds (looks???) like a Peanut worm (Sipunculid sp.)  – 06/13/07
Mich
<Hello again Jamie!>
Just wanted to say thinks for the info.
<You're welcome!>
I did some more research last night and as a result I figured it was a peanut worm as well.
<Very good!>
Only thing that had me second guessing was the color. I read that most peanut worms are brown but the guy in my tank was white, but otherwise he looks very similar.
<White is not unheard of.>
Sorry to hear about your camera,
<Thanks!>
and the resulting hard time it sounds like you are going to get from your fellow Crew members.
<Oh, no the crew in question (You know who you are! ;) Heeheee!) was trying to remove said camera from my possession a few weekends ago.>
But on the brighter side, it's an excuse to upgrade to a better camera, right? ;-)
<More than you know!>
And thanks for the photography tip!
<Oh you are most welcome! I'm glad I could help!>
I never thought about the macro setting.
<Yes, this will improve the focus/clarity a great deal on all those up close photos.>
Thanks again.
<I'm happy I can help. Mich>
Jamie

Saltwater "worm" question?? ID   5/27/07
Hi there.
<Hi Jimmy, Mich here.>
I've had my tank for 2 months now, and I have noticed 3 "worm" looking things in the small rocks at the bottom of my tank, that are probably about 1/2" long and thin, and have small spikes all around them on the edges, and when I looked closer, I could see blood, I'm guessing, pumping from the top of their bodies to the bottom. I'm wondering what the heck are they and are they harmful and any information at all??
<Sounds like some type of bristleworm, most are harmless scavengers that help to keep the tank clean.  Some photos and more info here and the related links in blue:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/polychaetes.htm >
I would avoid handling these worms.  And if you must, then wear gloves.  The "spikes" called chaetae can cause problems ranging from irritation to severe pain should you get stuck.>
I tried to take a picture, but it won't turn out and I can’t turn the flash off from my camera.
<...Now where did I put that camera manual?  What's that quote about a thousand words?...>
Thanks in advance.
<Welcome!  Mich>
-Jimmy

LR Hitchhiker...Worm ID 5/7/07
Hi Crew! <Hello.> Can anyone help me ID a hitchhiker that I discovered last night?...dang thing freaks me out. <Will try.>  I specifically did a search on WWM with the worm's characteristics and I guess there may be cause for concern. This worm has a lamprey mouth, stretches to about 3 inches (maybe longer). He hasn't left the LR so I can't really tell how long he (or she) is but I do know it has a tapered end. It takes bites out of the LR but immediately retreats back into the hole. It is tan and dark brown striped. It did come out while the lights were on, but was very active last night. I did get video of it, but couldn't get a good close up pic. Does this critter sound harmful? Thank you...any help would be greatly appreciated! Jennifer
<Sounds like a harmless peanut worm.  Do a search on these and see if it matches what you have.>
<Chris>

Re: LR Hitchhiker...Worm ID 5/9/07
Thanks Chris. <Sure> From what I could research it appears that is what I have.  Is there a specific website giving detailed info on them? <Try tracking down Dr. Ron Shimek over on the marine depot forums, he should be able to help out with identification.>  I take it he is a pretty harmless critter? <Yep> Thank you again for your help! Jennifer
<Welcome>
<Chris>