Good Bristle Worms vs BAD Bristle Worms: How to tell (See Picture)

[dutchswan]

Early on I was told by someone in this forum that they are a good thing to have. A little research has informed me that their are good ones and bad ones. I guess the bad ones are called Fireworms and will hurt corals and other inverts. How does one tell the difference between the good ones and bad ones??? [see picture]

 

[flower]

ALL bristle worms are fire worms, they sting if you touch them. The "bad" ones are called Bobbitt worms and they eat coral. Bobbitt worms look like long skinny centipedes

 

[dutchswan]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3292295

ALL bristle worms are fire worms, they sting if you touch them. The "bad" ones are called Bobbitt worms and they eat coral. Bobbitt worms look like long skinny centipedes
The ones I have appear to be about 1" in length as seen above. Does this look like a bobbit worm? If so, is it necessary to get rid of them before adding corals? If so, what is the best way to get rid of them? Thanks in advance! (It is really hard to tell how long they really are because they live in the porous cavities of my LR. I am not sure I have ever seen one head to toe.)

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by dutchswan
http:///forum/post/3292296
The ones I have appear to be about 1" in length as seen above. Does this look like a bobbit worm? If so, is it necessary to get rid of them before adding corals? If so, what is the best way to get rid of them? Thanks in advance! (It is really hard to tell how long they really are because they live in the porous cavities of my LR. I am not sure I have ever seen one head to toe.)

The good ones are two toned and the one in your picture looks like a good guy to me, kind of red and fuzzy. When and if you see a bobbitt worm you will know it. They are usually dark grey to black in color.

 

[btldreef]

What you have is a generic bristle worm, and they're good. Bobbits, although not rare are fairly uncommon, most people don't end up with them. If you're really concerned, consider a six line wrasse or something of that nature, they eat bristle worms.

 

[cranberry]

Actually, when we are using common terms, the name fireworm, which the OP is referring to, is reserved for the Hermodice carunculata. It is indeed a coral predator. Look up pictures of them and you'll soon be able to tell the difference. One thing that separates them from the rest of the bristleworms is that they have red mouths.
I wouldn't worry about having one, they aren't very common at all.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by Cranberry
http:///forum/post/3292376
Actually, when we are using common terms, the name fireworm, which the OP is referring to, is reserved for the Hermodice carunculata. It is indeed a coral predator. Look up pictures of them and you'll soon be able to tell the difference. One thing that separates them from the rest of the bristleworms is that they have red mouths.
I wouldn't worry about having one, they aren't very common at all.

I looked at the pictures of the "fire worms" ..LOL Now I will be looking for little red mouths. I love this site, I learn so much!