Worm ID

[will16]

Can anyone ID this worm? Looked in the tank about 2am and saw something swimming around very fast. Maybe 1/8" - 1/4" long. Very strong swimmer as it was zipping around even through the currents of the powerhead. I usually error on the side of caution and remove anything I can not identify. Amazingly I was able to suck it out with a turkey baster.

http://www.pbase.com/willgtp/image/96914173.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/willgtp/image/96914171.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/willgtp/image/96914175.jpg

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Lightsluvr]

Looks like a bristleworm to me... every tank has got them...some more than others...

LL

[will16]

I do have bristleworms but none like this. I thought bristelworms don't swim? Bottom dwellers? Or are there different kinds?

Thanks

[cloak]

Check this out.

http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~sweetyummy42/hitchworms.html

[LeslieH]

this is (was) the epitoke released by a syllid polychaete. It's a bristle worm because all polychaetes are bristle worms. Epitokes are modified sexually mature worms. the round spheres are eggs. In this type of epitoke once the eggs are released all that's left is an empty bag of skin.

[will16]

Wow, sounds like I have the right person! So this is a bristleworm reproducing? Nothing to worry about in a reef tank?

Thanks!

[LeslieH]

Nothing to worry about, especially if there wasn't a male around!