Small Thin Red worm

[Paul_BB_Guy]

Hi Dr.Ron.

What kind of critter is this? Is it a beneficial bristle worm? Should I put him back in the tank?
I'm curing new live rock and saw him on the bottom of the tank apparently digging something out of the sand (southdown).

Fully stretched out, I'd say he's about an inch long maybe. Super thin though.

Thanks!
Paul

[rshimek]

Hi Paul,

I really can't tell what kind of worm you have. The diagnostic structures are small and, for most worms, I need to have a good detailed photo of the head. See my column in the upcoming March issue of [rk] (due out in a couple of days) which will discuss the problem of worm identification.

On the other hand, the vast marjority of worms are beneficial, and I would presume that this one is as well. Generally worms without obvious tentacles on the front end are burrowing detritus swallowers, and are good members of the clean-up crew.