At lights off

[smooth_9]

Hello, all at lights off I see worm looking things that are somewhat red and some seem to be blue swarming around the tank, I noticed crabs eating them. Is this bad or good could they be mysid shrimp, amphipods, or some kind of other pod. Am I ready for am mandrain. I hope they are pods.

Thanks SMooTH

[macronut]

Could be pods, but I question if a crab could actually catch a pod, but with luck. Do you have any shrimp? They could have released a clutch of eggs they carry under their swimmerettes (sp?). You said swarming so I assume they are swimming. Could be pods. However, I would stay clear of a mandarin unless you have a substantial refugium or it will starve. Mandarin as with all dragonets can deplete a tank very quickly of pods and little critters.

[sttaylor]

Red and blue...sounds like bristle worms (red/orange on the ends and blue/purple in the middle. Are they "fuzzy"? If so, probably bristle worms. Some people hate them, others think that they are the sign of a healthy tank. Do not handle them bare handed. The bristles come off in your skin and can be very painful.

Scott

[xenon]

Bristle worms for sure.

They are hamless scavengers.. untill they get really big :)

[smooth_9]

So should I do something to get rid of them

[briangg57]

Not more than ten min. ago I turned on the light in my tank and for the first time a saw this brisstle worm, Had to be all of 8 inches.I've always seen the little ones and never thought to get rid of them. Now that I saw this one, I think It's pretty cool that he was there for years and he never hurt a thing. I think I'll have to name him.

[smooth_9]

I am seeing brisstle worms for sure, and I wonder what else. I need to get some ids. I am hoping for Pods.

[Logzor]

Yep. Bristleworm spawns. My clowns love them!

[smooth_9]

What other fish will eat Bristleworm

[teenreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11884135#post11884135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by briangg57
I think I'll have to name him. [/B]

I would call him wormy or biggy or spike get it lol

[smooth_9]

good one