Worm on soft coral

[yosemite sam]

I've had this Stereonephthya for several weeks but I just noticed this worm a few days ago. I thought it was a small brittle star at first, as I've had some on other soft corals, but it's definitely a worm. It's probably 6" - 8" long, and as thick as angel-hair pasta. It doesn't appear to be hurting the coral, but has anyone every seen anything similar? It's pretty active, crawling all over the coral.
Here's most of it:

And a close-up:

 

[meowzer]

WOW...never seen it...this is a job for Cranberry.....I would pm her

 

[katsafados]

Looks pretty cool!

 

[nissan577]

im sorry but i love the pics!!!!!!!!!!!!! so detailed perfect! what camera do you have?

 

[yosemite sam]

Thanks Nissan, I used a Canon Xsi digital SLR with a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.

 

[renogaw]

i have no clue wht htat is, but i'll agree with nissan... that's a fargin nice camera and picture talent!

 

[cranberry]

I have absolutely no idea..... but if you're ever interested in getting rid of it

 

[yosemite sam]

Thanks Cranberry As long as it stays on good behavior, I think I'll let it stick around.

 

[cranberry]

Does it move like a super fast millipede/centipede?
I do have a Dorvilleidae variety that have stripes. The detail of your shots could be throwing me off.

 

[yosemite sam]

No, it pokes around like a bristleworm. It's constantly moving over the coral but I've never seen it leave it.

 

[renogaw]

well, there are symbiotic relationships with corals and crabs and other beings, so maybe you found a new one.
have you contacted your local university? i know UCONN has a division that would probably look at your pic, but i've never received a response

 

[salt210]

how in the world did you notice that?

 

[nissan577]

i have to agree!

man you inspect your tank alot!

 

[yosemite sam]

Yeah, I spend a lot of time watching the tank! Actually, the worm is pretty obvious once you look at the coral. I'm surprised it took me as long as it did to notice it!

 

[nissan577]

thats good bro