Found this worm thing in my chaeto

tdunmore2 · Jul 3, 2019

20190703_142307

tdunmore2
Jul 3, 2019

20190703_140202_001

tdunmore2
Jul 3, 2019

Was hoping someone could identify this. I found a bunch of them while trimming my chaeto. seems they like to bury down in to the denser areas. they dont appear to have any legs. Just that weird set of tentacles coming out of one side.

HOOPDEEZ · Jul 3, 2019

Perhaps a Medusa worm

tdunmore2 · Jul 3, 2019

Looks like it! Is it best to keep or discard the chaeto and try again?

watdachuck · Jul 3, 2019

That thing looks cool, what is so bad about them?

KJ · Jul 3, 2019

HOOPDEEZ said:
Perhaps a Medusa worm

Agree!

Mike.P · Jul 3, 2019

watdachuck said:
That thing looks cool, what is so bad about them?

They're actually a type of cucumber, and quite beneficial. But... The risk factor with them is similar to that of a box fish; if they get attacked, threatened, etc., they'll secrete a very potent toxin, which can cook a tank pretty quickly, depending on water volume, and how much carbon is in the system. I personally wouldn't mess with it.

Phycodurus · Jul 3, 2019

also agree on the medusa worm ID ... these are soft-bodied sea cucumbers actually. this type is one of the smaller varieties. very good detritus eaters.

be wary of the large ones (8"-10"+), they are poisonous just like sea apples and can nuke a tank.