Bristle worm help

b_mac16 · Jul 13, 2017

Hello everyone! I am new to this salt water aquarium hobby, errrr I mean lifestyle! I've been having a blast with it since we accidentally came home to Wyoming from Florida with 5 hitchhiking thin stripe hermit crabs amongst the hundreds of shells we gathered. For two months now I've successfully been able to keep these little guys alive but over the past week I've noticed some bristle worms start to appear on some LR brought home from A LFS. A couple of wich seem to be several inches in length. I don't mind have a handful in my 40g breeder based on their ability to clean up detritus, but I have read the larger ones (over 4 inches) could be a nuisance. Attached are a couple photos and I'd just like to know whether or not my crabs are safe from this type of BW or if I'd be better off trying to remove the larger ones from the tank. Thanks for the help!

Hogan · Jul 13, 2017

They're fine.

b_mac16 · Jul 13, 2017

Hogan said:
They're fine.

OK I thought so just needed the reassurance I suppose. The crabs are aggressive with food and one of the larger ones tried taking some food from the larger BW. Thanks for your brief but reassuring answer. :)

jrwoltman · Jul 13, 2017

Your crabs and any/everything else in your tank will be fine. They don't bother anything living. If you can get over the yuck factor, they are a beneficial addition to your CUC.

b_mac16 · Jul 13, 2017

jrwoltman said:
Your crabs and any/everything else in your tank will be fine. They don't bother anything living. If you can get over the yuck factor, they are a beneficial addition to your CUC.

I've read some of the brighter red "fireworms" are to be removed... This one was pink on the ends and gray in the middle so I wasn't too sure. But ya they are gnarly looking and a nest addition to the clean up crew. Thanks for the reply!