How do bristle worms reproduce?

[brokewithatank]

I recently started a refugeum and added some live rock to it. The fuge is attached to my sump for my 120 reef. I have never seen a bristle worm in my main tank and noticed there are a few on the live rock in the fuge. My question is this. How do bristle worms reproduce? Is there a danger that they can get into my main tank? They would have to work their way into the overflow from the fuge, then into the sump and then into the return to make it to the main tank. It is a CPR system fuge. Should I be worried about the bristle worms in the fuge or not?

Thanks.

[new_world_disor]

urm i duno the name for it . but they split down the middle as far as im aware. creating a perfect DNA and physicall clone !

[skeletor121]

From an online source: "Polychaetes reproduction usually involves the dispersal of gametes directly into the sea. After fertilization, the eggs develop into ciliated larvae called trochophores. These larvae live in the plankton, feeding on suspended algae, until they develop into juvenile worms that will settle down to become adults." http://ebiomedia.com/prod/BOanelids.html

This leads me to believe that they may end up in your main tank from your fuge if they were to reproduce.

[LockeOak]

Don't worry about them. They're beneficial detritivores.

[skippy2]

It would be a good thing if they ended up in your main tank. You probably already have some and just don't seem them yet. They are a great part of your cleanup crew.

[loosbrew]

I wouldnt be worried either way. well, to be honest, I worry if I don't see any bristleworms anywhere!

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bristlewrmfaqs.htm

there's a good place to start...

Luis

[andrewkw]

They spawn, I've seen it happen a couple of times in my tank. GIANT ones pop out all over the place and release their sperm / eggs.