What are these worms?

[bjmumy]

I've had these things in the same spot in my tank now for probaby at least 6 months. They all come out of the same spot in the sand. Some reach up to 4 inches away from that spot in the sand. Does anybody have a clue what they are?

Brian

[bjmumy]

Another pic:

[bjmumy]

Another:

[Steve Richardson]

Those are spaghetti or mason worms. 'Terebellid' worms formally.

Look in the library.. Rob Toonen wrote an article on them, and also Ron Shimek has some info on worms you may find interesting.

Cool critters. They hang out in the sand or in holes in the rock... and grab onto particulate matter with their 'spaghetti'

try this:
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a...wb/default.asp

[bjmumy]

Really? I thought spaghetti worms were white. And I didn't think they all came out of the same spot in the sand typically. Nor did I think they were always out. I'll have a look in the library though. It's been awhile since I've seen it anyway....

[Steve Richardson]

You can also tell by the banding on the tentacles. its characteristic.

[bjmumy]

Steve, you're right. They basically look like this



but they're orange with dark brown stripes instead of white.

[dc]

Those look huge! I also have yellow ones and like those in the picture. They're not that big tho

[bjmumy]

Cool, I guess you learn something new every day! You have to love this hobby for that. Thanks!

[Steve Richardson]

They look fairly typical I think... though scale is hard to guage. I have some just like them.

My hermits almost devistated my population.. but I took some of the hermits out, and they have done much better.

[Ewan]

I'm working on farming those 'lil buggers right now. (the wife ok'ed a worm farm!!)

They are very effcient cleaners based on their reproduction, and the sheer number of them you'll have. Great addition to the tank, IMHO. They are also very reef-friendly.

E.