unknown hitchhiker

Joshua H. · 01/03/2007, 07:38 PM

I can't get a good picture because my camera does not like to take underwater pictures. It's a white hairy worm thing. It's about an inch and a half long. I noticed him after I bought some rock about a month ago. Nothing has turned up dead, so I doubt he is aggressive. I have a shrimp, lots of hermits, astrea snails, choco chip sea star, 3 damsels, and a yellow tang and none of . Nothing is harmed but I just want to know what it is. Is it somthing that may be bad for reefs? I plan on getting corrals someday and don't need this in there if it eats them(I know the star has to go too before i get corrals). Anyway, any replies greatly appreciated. thanks

-Josh

charlesr1958 · 01/04/2007, 12:40 AM

I can only guess of course, but going by what is most commonly found as hitch hikers and your vague description, I would say the odds are that it is one of any number of "bristle" worms. You may be able to find what you have within my hitch hiker pages. Hope it is of use to you.

My Hitch Hiker Pages

Chuck

Joshua H. · 01/04/2007, 08:03 AM

What is the best way to get it out? There were 2 on that page that looked like it but 1 is not a good worm for reefs. Thanks for the link.

-Josh

charlesr1958 · 01/04/2007, 09:14 AM

Thats the tricky part...lol, but if you know which rock it is in, the easiest way is to just remove the rock, and try to flush the worm out by dripping seltzer water into its hole. If thats not possible, you can also try rigging up a baited trap. I have used a two foot length of clear hose placing one end over its hole and baiting the far end with a piece of shrimp meat. Am sure others have more methods and will hopefully chime in.

Chuck

01/03/2007, 07:38 PM	#1
Joshua H. Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Nemo, Tx Posts: 89	unknown hitchhiker I can't get a good picture because my camera does not like to take underwater pictures. It's a white hairy worm thing. It's about an inch and a half long. I noticed him after I bought some rock about a month ago. Nothing has turned up dead, so I doubt he is aggressive. I have a shrimp, lots of hermits, astrea snails, choco chip sea star, 3 damsels, and a yellow tang and none of . Nothing is harmed but I just want to know what it is. Is it somthing that may be bad for reefs? I plan on getting corrals someday and don't need this in there if it eats them(I know the star has to go too before i get corrals). Anyway, any replies greatly appreciated. thanks -Josh

01/04/2007, 09:14 AM	#4
charlesr1958 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mactan Island, Philippines Posts: 630	Thats the tricky part...lol, but if you know which rock it is in, the easiest way is to just remove the rock, and try to flush the worm out by dripping seltzer water into its hole. If thats not possible, you can also try rigging up a baited trap. I have used a two foot length of clear hose placing one end over its hole and baiting the far end with a piece of shrimp meat. Am sure others have more methods and will hopefully chime in. Chuck __________________ "Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem" - Ronald Reagan Current Tank Info: 80 gal, numerous corals, dsb, 20gal sump/fuge

01/04/2007, 12:40 AM	#2
charlesr1958 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mactan Island, Philippines Posts: 630	I can only guess of course, but going by what is most commonly found as hitch hikers and your vague description, I would say the odds are that it is one of any number of "bristle" worms. You may be able to find what you have within my hitch hiker pages. Hope it is of use to you. My Hitch Hiker Pages Chuck

01/04/2007, 08:03 AM	#3
Joshua H. Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Nemo, Tx Posts: 89	What is the best way to get it out? There were 2 on that page that looked like it but 1 is not a good worm for reefs. Thanks for the link. -Josh