Good or bad worm?

[cmslick3]

I found a odd worm haning out in my small Xenia frag today, the coral was looking kinds PO'ed that it was there... So I pulled the piece out and removed the worm. I would just like to know what kind of worm it is. The picture may look like a bristle worm but I promise you it's not, I know them since I have TONS in my tank.
To help ID the worm is about 2 inches long when fully extended, it's probably no more than an 16th of an inch wide at most. It was purple in color before I messed with it, and has a foot and a single "antenna" coming from each segment. The head does have kind of a protruding snout. The head is at the bottom of the picture, and the small piece is a part of the tail that ripped off.
Thanks for the ID.

 

[reefreak29]

looks to be a type of bristleworm , most likely ampharete sp. these do eat corals when over 4 inches in length or so

 

[cmslick3]

Hmmm well I guess I don't feel too bad then for removing it. My Xenia is much much happier without it there...
Thanks.

 

[renogaw]

hmm,.... you may later regret this decision

 

[cmslick3]

The Xenia being in the tank, or removing the worm?

 

[slt wtr stupid]

check out this site for your worm its on there great hitch hiker site
http://www.chucksaddiction.com/
go to site map and find hitch hikers

 

[cmslick3]

syllidae I believe. From the description it sounds like I made the right choice. besides that my Xenia is very happy and spreading.
Thanks for the site link I will be using that a lot.

 

[deltablack22]

Originally Posted by cmslick3
http:///forum/post/2621178
The Xenia being in the tank, or removing the worm?
Maybe both... I would keep the Xenia out of your main rockwork because given the right conditions it can really overgrow a tank. Its your call though. No idea on the worm, but when in doubt I say flush it.