Odd worm-like critters

[dlhirst]

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]

OK, I know the phone pic stinks, but it's the best I could get wwithout pulling the coral out...

[nate_newton]

a Sipunculid?

[Sir Patrick]

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]

Too hard to see! wish I could help!

[dlhirst]

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]

Vermetid snails?

[dlhirst]

Holy Dendropoma, that's the one! So, are these Vermetids anything to fret over?

[MizTanks]

Not really but they can be a pita. When irritated they release a long stringy web that can irritate near by corals.

[Sir Patrick]

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.