Hidden Predators

[Paul B]

I noticed many times over the years especially when I have an exotic looking crustacean like a shrimp or crab, they disappear when they molt.
I think I figured out why.
Bristle worms. I have loads of bristle worms and for the most part I leave them alone. I think the problem is the large ones as they can get 5 or 6", some larger. You almost never see these guys and they grow quickly but I feel they actively hunt down soft bodied animals like freshly molted crabs and eat them. They have a great sense of smell and if I put a piece of clam in the dark, in a few minutes I will see them slithering out of the rocks toward it, then they will fight over it. A newly molted crab or shrimp will offer little resistance to these guys. I think we should trap the larger worms. We will never be able to eliminate al of them but if you are losing animals you may want to look into these predators.
Besides that, they are fine. :croc:

 

[CJO]

That's a good thought. I'm sure you have bristle worms much larger than that. I have one that is at least 18" long and my tank is only 9 years old.

CJ

 

[wysiwyg]

yeah i have been noticing my hermits getting taken out my have to look into this

 

[Paul B]

I may have some larger than that but if I found one 18" long I would start thinking that he is not just snacking on pods.
He must be sending out for Pizza, notice and fradulent charges on your credit card?
Watch out for the ones wearing motorcycle jackets.

 

[cdness]

I just recently pulled out a large one. He wasn't huge, but was big enough to be pulled. I wouldn't be surprised if they do cause issues like this as they can get pretty large.

 

[CJO]

Here's one that I found when moving my tank about 2-1/2 years ago

I may have some larger than that but if I found one 18" long I would start thinking that he is not just snacking on pods.
He must be sending out for Pizza, notice and fradulent charges on your credit card?

I'd been blaming my kids, but maybe you're right. Wow, that would make me feel really bad!

CJ

 

[Connie]

This is one I found under a rock. It was 12"long. He was eating my CUC.

 

[Paul B]

Wow, that sucker looks like he just shed his antlers

 

[Connie]

Here is some great information: Polychaete Annelid Identification, or