wormlike centipede?

[kui loach]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I started a 58 gallon saltwater tank in September. I have about 58 lbs live rock. I have a yellow tang (for about a mth)and clownfish perc( about a week) along with 7 astrea snails and hermit crab and one small pink soft coral ( about a mth). #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#My question. Last nite after I turned off the lites for about an hour, I glanced at a corner of the tank on the bottom by the live rock and I discovered a disgusting 4 inch long centipede like creature that was dark gray. It was thick like a worm. I also noticed3 smaller looking creatures that resembled it but were verytiny and thin and about 1 inch long. Are they a threat to my fish or any future coral or snails? What is that creature? Can I get an anemome with that thing in the tank?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Reptoreef]

sounds like a bristleworm... the larger one can be removed if you can catch him, but the smaller should be ok for now.

[graphixx]

yep sounds like a bristle worm they are good to have in the tank and are great poo eaters, they are beneficial to the tank. good part of the clean u crew and keep the sand stirred. Not to worry

[kui loach]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks for the help. How big can bristleworms get?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Reptoreef]

different species get different lengths... there are also some species referred to as fire worms... FYI, it maybe better to be on the cautious side when getting any out or touching as not to get nailed.

[graphixx]

yeah those bristle are likke cactus needles, they are so fine and irritating

[kui loach]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks for all the info. I think I will just let that 4 inch bristleworm in the tank and let it alone. It has not hurt anything yet and I dont want to feel its bristles. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#