1-2" wormlike/centipede in tank

[baloo4]

I recently have about 5-10 1-2" wormlike/centipedes in the tank. I cleaned the tank about a week ago and found a bunch of small ones, and tried to get rid of them by flushing them. Are these harmful and what are they??
Thanks.

 

[kalia]

Probably Bristle worms. Only harmful when they get large. Some people leave them in, but I would take them out if I got the chance.

 

[baloo4]

Thanks

 

[sepulatian]

They are a beneficial part of your natural cleanup crew. Keep them.

 

[natclanwy]

+1 keep them, even most of the large ones aren't harmful. I have at least two 12+ inch plus bristle worms in my tank that don't bother anything but between the worms and my CUC they can consume a dead fish within hours.

 

[oceanlover]

If you'd like to see pictures of bristle worms (and other types of marine worms) go the the Hitchhiker's Forum.

 

[unleashed]

yes def keep them.. but be warned some of them sting and are called fireworms unfortunately there are more than 100s of species of bristle worms and its hard to tell whos who but none of them actually harmful to your tank..some fish even eat them