Weird worms in my tank

[clownfishmama]

Hi all,
I've noticed over the past few weeks that there have been orange-colored worms with spikes on them. They're usually found in the sand bed, so I haven't paid much attention to them. Are these parasites?

 

[JTP424]

Sound like Bristleworms!
@BristleWormHater - I believe his username speaks to some individuals feelings about them :) not EXACTLY a parasite... but not something most typically WANT in their setup.
Can be good CUC of sorts...

 

[clownfishmama]

Sound like Bristleworms!
@BristleWormHater - I believe his username speaks to some individuals feelings about them :) not EXACTLY a parasite... but not something most typically WANT in their setup.
Can be good CUC of sorts...

How do I get rid of them? Theyr'e soo icky!

 

[JTP424]

Traps, six line wrasse, or others depending on tank size.
Depending on what you have in your tank, you can focus on spot feeding to avoid leftover food for them etc.

 

[Jaden9933]

Palaemon shrimp eat tiny bristle worms in my tanks!

 

[JTP424]

Palaemon shrimp eat tiny bristle worms in my tanks!

I see these are known for brackish water, do you acclimate like Mollies?

 

[Jaden9933]

I see these are known for brackish water, do you acclimate like Mollies?

i got mine from tide pools and acclimated over an hour and they were all okay

 

[BristleWormHater]

How do I get rid of them? Theyr'e soo icky!

It's a fool's errand. Despite my name, I'm gonna advocate for bristleworms. They are a very important part of the tank ecosystem. They eat uneaten food and detritus, often in places no ther cuc can reach, like them or not, the tank is better off with them.

 

[vetteguy53081]

There are many worms that can be in a tank. Best assessment and id. will be pictures and mainly videos under white light intensity.

 

[Aronsaquarium]

Copper will clear them up in no time :)
First time I did that I had probably hundreds of them come out of the sand and die off lol

But in all seriousness I wish I still had them.. as annoying as they are, and you have to be careful putting your hands in the sand with those prickles..
they’re a good sign, and keep things stable.

(Ps don’t put copper in the tank if you have any inverts or coral.)