Bristle Worms

[SigPiPup]

I know that generally bristle worms aren't bad, but is it possible to have too many bristle worms? I ask because usually about 10 minutes before lights out there is a mass exodus of bristle worms out of my sand and rocks. I have a trap, but I don't intend on taking the worms out. I like having them in the sand stirring things up. I was just wondering. I certainly don't want a tank of just worms. Lol :). That would be a WOWLR.

In regards to that, how do burrowing animals (fish or inverts) not get injured or killed by bristle worms? I have a book with a picture of a bristle worm with a catalina goby in its grasp. Granted, that particular fish isn't burrowing into the sand and it could have been dead prior, but bristle worms obviously have a taste for fish.

[dmjordan]

if you have a large amount of bristle worms than you must have an excess amount of uneaten food or something that is feeding them. they are opportune scavengers that can eat not only your fish and inverts but also corals. you can help control the population by the addition of a pseudochromis or a arrow crab.

[SigPiPup]

Thanks for the info. Should the time come, I may get an arrow crab to control the situation.

I don't have an excess of food though. I don't even have any fish yet.

[Grins]

You could also use a 6line (4 line, or 8 line as well) wrasse to control them. I've found that they aren't a problem if I don't overfeed though.

[dmjordan]

forgot all about the wrasses.

[emonemo420]

I don't have an excess of food though. I don't even have any fish yet.


hahahahahaha that was funny

[SigPiPup]

True though. I did have 6 snails in there before I decided to restart the cycle. Maybe they were munching on the snail poop. There was quite a bit when I took them out.