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There are 353 confirmed species of Eunice worms with probably dozens more that have yet to be cataloged. Some Eunice worms can be identified by appearance but like @Lionfish Lair said, most can only be properly identified in a lab. Even the creator of the term "bobbit worm" could not get a positive identification on his worm even with the sample and with the involvement of the Smithsonian Institutes lab.
@Jd120988 you gave a pretty good description of what you saw, the "white band" was key. Without seeing it in person my best guess would be that it is a Eunice longisetis. Red body, iridescence, and white band. Next time you see it check to see if 5 antenna structures are beaded, and not simply banded, if so then I think this would be the correct ID and I wouldn't be worried about having it in your tank, he is a scavenger and detritivore. They are strikingly beautiful. This species can grow up to 16" though. They live in rock-work, not in sand and definitely do NOT cut fish in half like other members of the genus can. Enjoy him, he is just another beautiful member of your tank.
We study these guys a lot and have an article all about Eunice Worms but I'm unsure about posting outside links here. If you do get to snap a photo of him I'm sure it would help in positively identifying him. Hope this helps somewhat.
Get a better pic if you can. But that stripe says bobbit to me... @KJ whatcha think?Ok. Had others say dorvilleidae worm. Hopefully that is what it is
Hey, would this be that species or is this different?There are 353 confirmed species of Eunice worms with probably dozens more that have yet to be cataloged. Some Eunice worms can be identified by appearance but like @Lionfish Lair said, most can only be properly identified in a lab. Even the creator of the term "bobbit worm" could not get a positive identification on his worm even with the sample and with the involvement of the Smithsonian Institutes lab.
@Jd120988 you gave a pretty good description of what you saw, the "white band" was key. Without seeing it in person my best guess would be that it is a Eunice longisetis. Red body, iridescence, and white band. Next time you see it check to see if 5 antenna structures are beaded, and not simply banded, if so then I think this would be the correct ID and I wouldn't be worried about having it in your tank, he is a scavenger and detritivore. They are strikingly beautiful. This species can grow up to 16" though. They live in rock-work, not in sand and definitely do NOT cut fish in half like other members of the genus can. Enjoy him, he is just another beautiful member of your tank.
We study these guys a lot and have an article all about Eunice Worms but I'm unsure about posting outside links here. If you do get to snap a photo of him I'm sure it would help in positively identifying him. Hope this helps somewhat.
Eunicid but basically same monster.Hey, would this be that species or is this different?