White Stringy things- Not Poop!!

[kiharaconn]

Let me first say I'm sorry not to search but I'm at work and can't spend much time on the internet. Last night I was looking at me tank. I just added more live rock last week. I saw this long string coming from a hole in the rock. While looking it pulled back into the rock. I know it can't be poop cause I don't have any fish yet. As I watched it would come back out and move around. I assume its some type of filter feeder. I think I also have what I think is a fire worm. Its bright red on the front and dark red on the back. I know its a bristle worm of some sort. But its it the fire worm that will really hurt if he get you? Thanks guys.

 

[clarkiiclo]

I dont know what the stringy thing may be. Try to get a pic of it.
Does your worm look like this one?
If so: Highly toxic. This annelid merits the name "fire worm." If touched, it inflicts painful stings with bristles that pierce the skin, break off, and release a toxin. The pain and itching may last several days.

I would avoid touching it.

 

[bigarn]

The white stringy things could be spaghetti worms. Harmless

 

[larrynews]

do they look like this

 

[big911dog]

sounds like a spaghetti worm, but we need a picture to confirm

 

[cayman isl]

I occasionally see a single white worm snooping around on one of my rocks as well. He's been there about 7 months now, never bothers anything. It's not a cluster like the spaghetti worms, just one.
Guess this doesn't really tell you what it is, but if it is the same as what I have, then you should be ok.....
I'll try to take a pic of him next time he comes out.....

 

[kiharaconn]

I've never heard of spaghetti worms so I'll have to do a search. It is in the rock and when it comes out it doesn't come all the way out. It just slips out alittle at the time then pulls back in. Thanks clarkiiclo but my worm doesn't look as wide as the one in your picture. Its thin with tons of legs of course. The front and back end are a brighter red than the center. It seems to stay in the same place. It really doesn't bother me but I am just interested to know what it is. I'll be moving some of the rocks to my 75 tank when I get everthing to get it up and running. So I don't want to pick up something I shouldn't.

 

[bigarn]

From your description of the worm, I'd say it's a bristle.