Unidentified Pest

[Reef8008]

New reefer. 32g bio cube. Just finished cycling and added some clean up crew yesterday from my LFS (4 astria, 10 blue legged crabs - that’s all they had available). This morning 3 crabs appear dead, one shell has holes in it, and I see this freaking thing. what the heck is this?! I put on some gloves and tried to grab it but the flipping thing was fast and darted below the rock.

 

[SaltyT]

That is a bristleworm. They help clean up uneaten food and usually don't pose any problems in our tanks. Good call using a glove when trying to touch it because their bristles can inflict a painful sting.

 

[Lukeluke]

I might have to quit. Not sure I could resist the urge to pour gasoline on my tank if I run into some of these creepy crawlies. Shudder.

 

[admiralmcstabby]

There are many types of bristleworm in the hobby, this looks like it could be one though I've never seen one quite like this.

 

[admiralmcstabby]

I might have to quit. Not sure I could resist the urge to pour gasoline on my tank if I run into some of these creepy crawlies. Shudder.

That might through off the pH a little bit...

 

[Lukeluke]

That might through off the pH a little bit...

If that didn't, the match I'd toss on it would wreck params for sure.

 

[admiralmcstabby]

If that didn't, the match I'd toss on it would wreck params for sure.

Nah, it would become the next ATS fad...."learn how to clear away all nutrients in this one easy step!"

 

[Reef8008]

Thank you @SaltyT. Ama

I might have to quit. Not sure I could resist the urge to pour gasoline on my tank if I run into some of these creepy crawlies. Shudder.

hahaha!