critters in the crushed coral

[midnight25]

I've always noticed tiny critters in my crushed coral from the tanks start (2+ years ago). I've always dismissed them as copepods(sp?) but finally got a digital pic of them and wanted clarification. Plus, I'm noticing some of them are getting quite large (.75 inches long). The picture isn't the best, but you can make it out somewhat. I'd appreciate any input!
Richard
46g bow-front FOWLR tank

 

[iceburg98]

it's not the clearest pic, but the look like bristle worms to me. they're fine as long as they don't get too big and they stay in the sand. They'll help sift the sand and keep it clean. Just keep an out to make sure that they don't get too big (a few inches). If they get big and start crawling on your rock, they could start eating corals and fish and stuff.
But as long as they're small and just in the substrate i wouldn't worry...

 

[midnight25]

If they are bristle worms, and get out of control, is there a solution to keep them at bay? Any fish/crab/shrimp out there that feed on these buggers?
Thanks!

 

[hermit enthusiast]

arrow crabs and sally light foot crabs eat them. Mine love to munch on the bigger one's in my tank.

 

[scooter blenny]

Careful with the arrow crabs. i got one in my live rock and it decided it was going to eat my pj cardinal and blue dot jawfish, 130$ worth of fish. the pic indicates that they either large copepods or sand stirring spagetti or tube worms, in both cases they aren't harmful