Eunice worm? But is it chill?

[rayadog]

You won’t believe me because I didn’t record it. But was getting ready to clean tank when I noticed this worm sneaking out. Their next pop out, they darted for a piece of hermit crab poop and retreated and seemed to slurp it right down or something.. WHAT? I read that some reef worms eat seaweed and such. I’m probably going to evict but anybody have some insight on this worm or similar instances?

I did record the worm, apologies for shakes; dog was trying to eat cat right in front of me.

 

[JonoH]

Doesnt look like a Eunice worm to me. @ISpeakForTheSeas may be able to ID.

Probably would be cleaned up by a Six Line or some other wrasse though.

EDIT - actually looked at the video full screen and it could potentially be a Eunice, albiet a small one at this stage. Best bet would be to remove.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Eunice species for sure, I think I can make out 5 head tentacles and I can definitely spot the two mouth palps. I believe I have the same species (or similar) in my tank, hasn't caused any damage yet but I have not been able to get it out.

 

[56longroof]

Looks like a Eunice Antennata. I have one in my tank and haven't noticed anything yet. From what I've been able to find out they mainly eat detritus. There isn't much information on them.

 

[rayadog]

I find it really interesting. I was prepping to clean tank when I saw it. Without waiting, the rock was pulled and broken in search of the worm. I couldn’t find it.
It did have appear to have a structured tube back in the larger crevice of the rock. In any case it’s out of the tank.

I know most species are carnivorous but there seems to be a few that aren’t. Or perhaps are omnivores and it only makes sense to be more carnivorous with a larger size? That’s speculation. But this one was seriously too small to cause issues anytime soon.

There is some regret in not letting it live… as a martyr though they will be remembered. In their unfortunate sacrifice I found a gravid gorilla crab as I chiseled out the rock, so thank god.

This has sparked an interest in less lethal Eunice sp.

 

[rayadog]

Eunice species for sure, I think I can make out 5 head tentacles and I can definitely spot the two mouth palps. I believe I have the same species (or similar) in my tank, hasn't caused any damage yet but I have not been able to get it out.

Thanks for confirming! I’d be interested to learn more about yours as you do.

 

[rayadog]

Looks like a Eunice Antennata. I have one in my tank and haven't noticed anything yet. From what I've been able to find out they mainly eat detritus. There isn't much information on them.

Literally. There has to be a book somewhere that’s hard to find.

 

[BristleWormHater]

I find it really interesting. I was prepping to clean tank when I saw it. Without waiting, the rock was pulled and broken in search of the worm. I couldn’t find it.
It did have appear to have a structured tube back in the larger crevice of the rock. In any case it’s out of the tank.

I know most species are carnivorous but there seems to be a few that aren’t. Or perhaps are omnivores and it only makes sense to be more carnivorous with a larger size? That’s speculation. But this one was seriously too small to cause issues anytime soon.

There is some regret in not letting it live… as a martyr though they will be remembered. In their unfortunate sacrifice I found a gravid gorilla crab as I chiseled out the rock, so thank god.

This has sparked an interest in less lethal Eunice sp.

Most species are actually detrivores, theres over 300 species in the genus, I belive less than 100 are true carnivores.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Thanks for confirming! I’d be interested to learn more about yours as you do.

Ive got a video of it, it has moved since then, not sure where it went. Maybe it died?

 

[BristleWormHater]

Most species are actually detrivores, theres over 300 species in the genus, I belive less than 100 are true

Gonna revise that a bit. Not well researched enough to have exact numbers, species count varies by source due to subjective synonyms and reclassifications. Most are detrivores/opportunistic feeders, chances are unless they have mandibles like Eunice
aphroditois (bobbit worm), then they likely won't cause much damage. Still best to remove imo.

 

[rayadog]

I find it really interesting. I was prepping to clean tank when I saw it. Without waiting, the rock was pulled and broken in search of the worm. I couldn’t find it.
It did have appear to have a structured tube back in the larger crevice of the rock. In any case it’s out of the tank.

I know most species are carnivorous but there seems to be a few that aren’t. Or perhaps are omnivores and it only makes sense to be more carnivorous with a larger size? That’s speculation. But this one was seriously too small to cause issues anytime soon.

There is some regret in not letting it live… as a martyr though they will be remembered. In their unfortunate sacrifice I found a gravid gorilla crab as I chiseled out the rock, so thank god.

This has sparked an interest in less lethal Eunice sp.

Most species are actually detrivores, theres over 300 species in the genus, I belive less than 100 are true carnivores.

Well I’m glad to be wrong about that. I believed that most were carnivores already when I also read it in a not so official article as well. All it takes is 100 bad apples I guess

 

[56longroof]

Literally. There has to be a book somewhere that’s hard to find.

Maybe. I did alot of research online and only found 1 or 2 sources. I was surprised how sparse information was.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Maybe. I did alot of research online and only found 1 or 2 sources. I was surprised how sparse information was.

If you are looking for sources, go to World register of marine species. They are an authoritative source on marine taxonomy and have links to original descriptions and other important materials. Website is a little tricky to navigate though.
https://www.marinespecies.org/

 

[rayadog]

Thanks for the plug!

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

I'm super late by now, but if your worm is eating feces, it's probably a good member of the tank's CUC regardless of genus/family.

Eunicids, on the other hand, can be either harmless/beneficial, mildly risky (think opportunistic predators eating things like snails, small crustaceans, fish larvae, etc. when starved or when the prey is weak enough), or outright predatory. Some are predators while others are literally herbivores (fun fact, even some of the predators - such as the infamous bobbit worm - will still take algae when given the chance). With that in mind, many (possibly most) Eunicids are also harmless/beneficial, so even if it's a Eunicid, it may not be a bad thing.

 

[rayadog]

I'm super late by now, but if your worm is eating feces, it's probably a good member of the tank's CUC regardless of genus/family.

I did overreact and tried to eradicate. I do regret it now; playing by the better safe than sorry. But in the process I found a gravid female gorilla crab so it paid off in a wierd way. Thanks for your reply! I appreciate it!