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View Full Version : Algae & Pests Odd worm-like critters


dlhirst
07-30-2011, 11:29 AM
Can anyone tell me what these almost black worm-like creatures are? They seem to be multiplying. Normally just seen on the LR, but I'm a little nervous about them under this monti cap!

Should I be worried?
dlhirst
07-30-2011, 11:33 AM
OK, I know the phone pic stinks, but it's the best I could get wwithout pulling the coral out...
nate_newton
07-30-2011, 02:01 PM
a Sipunculid?
Sir Patrick
07-30-2011, 02:02 PM
Maybe you could grab a worm w/ tweezers, and get it in a white bowl? The pic will likely be much easier to identify.
larryandlaura
07-30-2011, 09:02 PM
Too hard to see! wish I could help!
dlhirst
07-31-2011, 07:52 AM
So, I tried to pull one off and put it in a bowl. They crush too easily. Apparently, there is a hard shell - like a tube - on the outside of it. Definitely soft tissue inside. Largest is maybe 2.5mm.

Could they be larval feather dusters? I have seen mine (I only have one) spawning in the past.
nate_newton
07-31-2011, 09:27 AM
Vermetid snails?
dlhirst
07-31-2011, 12:12 PM
Holy Dendropoma, that's the one! So, are these Vermetids anything to fret over?
MizTanks
07-31-2011, 12:34 PM
Not really but they can be a pita. When irritated they release a long stringy web that can irritate near by corals.
Sir Patrick
07-31-2011, 01:11 PM
If enough of them are in one specific area, they can irritate a coral till death. Manual removal is pretty simple. Sps can be a bit more sensitive than many other corals.
larryandlaura
07-31-2011, 02:58 PM
Awesome, I'm glad you figured out the problem. Best of luck with the removal.
nate_newton
08-01-2011, 04:31 AM
The web they release is to catch food. If there's an excess of food they populate more. They're good filter feeders but can irritate some corals. I have one that grew up to be closer to the powerhead in my old tank. When i downsized 2yrs ago I moved it also because the tube grew out so much. It's tube is over 10" long today.