What is this worm?

csreed · Dec 27, 2015

i have what look like striped bristle worms living in (yes, they seem to go in & out a hole in the base!) of my colt coral. They came with the coral & I didn't worry too much, but they've multiplied & I don't like the way my coral is looking. Anybody know anything about these??

redfishbluefish · Dec 27, 2015

They look like the arms to a mini brittle starfish.....one white and the other banded. Google brittle starfish and take a look at pictures.

Lionfish Lair · Dec 27, 2015

Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

+1 Yes, it's brittlestar arms.

redfishbluefish · Dec 27, 2015

FYI, mini brittle starfish are keepers.

Lionfish Lair · Dec 27, 2015

Yes, guess I should have said that instead of just screaming in agony. LOL!

csreed · Dec 28, 2015

Ok, but he's living INSIDE the colt coral. These move like bristle worms (I have brittle stars too, so I've seen how they move), I've never seen a central disk day or night, & when I go after it they disappear right into the little holes in the coral trunk. Doesn't seem very brittle star like...