What is this,good or bad?

[kilbys4]

This has been in my tank for a while now and has really gotten big. What is it and is it safe for my tank? I have 2 perc clowns, a blue hippo tang, 2 damsels, lr, shrimp, crabs, snails, feather dusters, and will soon be getting some anemonies for the clowns.

 

[bang guy]

It's a Bristle Worm... specifically a Fire Worm.
I'm guessing that it will be a model citizen and just clean up after your fish with leftover food & detritus. There's a 0.03% chance that I'm wrong.

 

[kilbys4]

I've heard that fire worms will eat holes in the anemones stem and bore holes in the lr. Is this true or will the anemones be safe?

 

[bang guy]

like I said... there's a 0.03% chance that this will be a coral muncher. Your Anemone and rock are 100% safe though.

 

[nicky1.8t]

nice pic btw

 

[barry cuda]

Can't fireworms cause severe skin irritation if you touch them? I could swear I read that someplace. Probably a good thing to be aware of if it's true.

 

[bang guy]

If you have an alergic reaction I suppose a Fire Worm could be fatal. Slim chance though. It will hurt... for a while.

 

[jerseysaltwater]

that's why i wear aquarium gloves whenever i reach into my tank - never know what may irritate your skin, and you may forget to clean your hands thoroughly before reaching into the tank. seems like a no brainer. also helpful when moving rock in / out / around - gives a good solid grip.

 

[fender]

Keep him. Very beneficial. If you are worried about touching him wear gloves like JerseySaltwater stated. Considering the nasty infections you could get from your tank the gloves are a good idea anyway.