What Is This??????!!!!!

[jjgomillion]

I see a caterpiller thing in my tank. Bright red and about 1/4 inch long. White "hairs"on it. Swear it looks like a caterpiller. Anyone know what this is. I see 3 of them. Are they good or bad...I just set my tank up.

 

[buzz]

Cucumbers?
Could be small bristle worms too...

 

[thomas712]

Not this is it?

 

[jjgomillion]

looks very similar to that. however it is so small that i really cant tell. i havn't got a really good view of the buggers either. just seen em on my snail's shell for a sec and another hiding in a crevice. Is what you posted bad?

 

[jjgomillion]

this is what it looks like. Is that the same thing you posted? This is a pic i found on the web. how big will it get and is it good to be in my reef?

 

[krishj39]

That is a bristle worm. general thought is that they are good to have unless they are huge. They can get well over 6" long and about a 1/4" thick. However, that is not that common. They are good to have because they are scavengers that will keep your tank clean. Also, don't touch them, they sting most people (I seem to be immune, though most say it hurts like crazy to touch one).

 

[sammystingray]

Definately a bristleworm, and although many older books will tell you they eat clams, fish, and corals, ......it is now known that they are a very good thing to have. Consider them part of the cleanup crew....they will eat anything dead or dying. Something that is dead or dying gives off chemicals that these guys smell and want.....put any dead food like frozen brine in the tank , and they should smell it. They aren't all that pretty to look at, but they are one of the best cleanup crew members possible....especially because they are so hardy and hungry.

 

[jjgomillion]

Thanks!!!