Species of fireworm?

[alfieh0]

This is a post on a previous thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/fireworm-id-good-or-bad.930416/#post-10506592

I have already identified this worm as a fireworm, however I was hoping to find out the exact species as I know some are worse than others. Such as the bearded fireworm, which I’m hoping I don’t have.

I have taken a video for better analysis and also taken it with them inside the water. There are 2 in this container. If anyone knows what species of fireworm this may be, it would help me greatly.
Thanks.

 

[A Young Reefer]

Video doenst work on phone. Can you upload it to YouTube or post an image?

 

[alfieh0]

Video doenst work on phone. Can you upload it to YouTube or post an image?

Sure thing, didn't realise. thanks for letting me know.

 

[A Young Reefer]

That does look like a fire worm (the bad type) not sure if the exact species though.

 

[A Young Reefer]

Please make sure to check this out I am not 100% sure on the id.

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks by @A Young reefer The purpose of this thread is to hopefully assist hobbyists in obtaining the correct id and method of treatment to common hitchhikers. Both; the good ones and the bad ones. 1)...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[alfieh0]

Please make sure to check this out I am not 100% sure on the id.

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks

Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks by @A Young reefer The purpose of this thread is to hopefully assist hobbyists in obtaining the correct id and method of treatment to common hitchhikers. Both; the good ones and the bad ones. 1)...

www.reef2reef.com

Thanks for sharing this, it appears to be a fireworm, but i am unsure if the ones i have are bad for the tank, as I've read not all firewomrs are very harmful.

 

[alfieh0]

i’ve had a research and it seems to look similar to Eurythoe complanata, however I am also thinking it’s still the bearded fireworm. Does anyone have any resources on how to tell the 2 apart?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Bearded fireworm gets my vote

 

[alfieh0]

Bearded fireworm gets my vote

Thanks for the reply, i was really hoping it wasn't the bearded species. Any tips on removal?

 

[Gtinnel]

It does not look like a eurythoe complanata to me. It looks closer to a hermodice carunculata (bearded fireworm). I can’t tell from the picture, but does it have a red frilly thing on its head (caruncle)? If so then it’s most likely a bearded fireworm.

 

[alfieh0]

It does not look like a eurythoe complanata to me. It looks closer to a hermodice carunculata (bearded fireworm). I can’t tell from the picture, but does it have a red frilly thing on its head (caruncle)? If so then it’s most likely a bearded fireworm.

Thanks for the reply, here is a higher quality close up of its head. I am unsure if it has what you have described or not.

 

[Bucs20fan]

As noted its 100% a fireworm. Lots of us choose to live with bristle worms, but fireworms are a different story. I highly suggest removal as you see them.

I also vote for bearded fireworm.

 

[alfieh0]

As noted its 100% a fireworm. Lots of us choose to live with bristle worms, but fireworms are a different story. I highly suggest removal as you see them.

I also vote for bearded fireworm.

i have been pulling them out if I see them, but most of the time they are too quick and go back into the rock.
Thinking of adding a Coral banded shrimp as a predator.

 

[Bucs20fan]

A coral banded might work, they dont hunt down worms as much as an arrow crab. Coral banded shrimp will eat them they just dont go after them like an arrow crab will.

 

[alfieh0]

A coral banded might work, they dont hunt down worms as much as an arrow crab. Coral banded shrimp will eat them they just dont go after them like an arrow crab will.

Yeah I heard arrow head crabs will also work, just heard bad things about them too, not really sure if they are fully reef safe.
have you got any experience with them?

 

[Bucs20fan]

No, I have no experience with them personally. As long as you dont have tiny fish then you should be fine with an arrow crab. they are inexpensive and im sure a store would take it back after it has finished off your fire worms.

 

[Crabs McJones]

You can make traps using water bottles and nylons.

 

[Gtinnel]

Thanks for the reply, here is a higher quality close up of its head. I am unsure if it has what you have described or not.

Kinda blurry, but it still looks like a bearded fireworm to me. I would definitely be taking them out of my tank.