Unknown worm

[Jringo101]

Atleast i think its a worm. Looks kinda like a hairy catipillar. but flatter. Pink colared. got alot of them..some big(2 in) some small..any idears

 

[Satchmo]

Sounds like a bristleworm.

 

[gcvt]

Without a picture, that would probably be my guess too.

They are excellent scavengers.

 

[Corax]

you'll hear different opinions on bristleworms... Some say they are safe up to about 6" long, after that they should be removed cuz they can be dangerous to smaller fish...

That said, I have one in my tank that is 18" long =)

 

[Satchmo]

I have a couple bristlesnakes too. Never noticed a problem, although they make me a little nervous when reaching into places I can't quite see

 

[Corax]

oooh I hear ya there man... I was extracting a tang from my tank the other day (gift from a friend when he had to break his tank down, the tang proved far too agressive for my tank and he pooped WAY too much) and I found one of my big ones the hard way! Those stinking bristles STING =\ I bathed it in peroxide as soon as I got the tang out, cuz you gotta watch out for infection in those conditions... Fish tank conditions aren't exactly sterile

 

[Satchmo]

Ouch. Never got stung, but I hear it 'aint too comfortable. Vinegar is supposed to be good to neutralize the venom. Pissing on your hand is supposed to work too, but I'd opt for the vinegar myself.

 

[Corax]

lol, never heard of one of those remedies, I think I'll pass on it though

btw, they don't call em "fireworms" for nuthin! I had some swelling and irritation/slight pain for a couple days, but it was no huge deal really...