Critter ID request...

smidoid · 07-04-2006, 07:12 PM

Hi all, been an eventful time for me and the only thing I have been able to do with my tank is check levels, etc. Everything (so far) is hunky dory, but I noticed a few new critters popping up. None seem to be a problem, but one has me intrigued. (No pictures).

It lives under a slab and looks like a bundle of blood-red threads. When left alone these threads slide from under the rock and travel inches across the substrate as if they are fishing for something. The threads are about the thickness of a human hair (a fine hair at that)

It (they) seem totally harmless, but it's completely fascinating to watch as these tentacles spread out and appear to be under complete muscular control - rather like individual snakes.

There other creatures I can photograph, but I'll wait for now until they develop into something.

What's REALLY odd is that the tunicate I got on some LR months ago is growing! I have no idea what it's eating, but it's almost doubled in size. Pity it's butt ugly.

**leebca** · 07-05-2006, 01:32 PM

What you describe could be what is loosely referred to as a Spaghetti Worm. There are several different kinds of these worms. Reef friendly and they perform a valuable service.

The 'worm' is actually out of sight, usually buried. The tentacles are sent out looking for food. These worms are of considerable value, disturbing the substrate and picking up bits of missed food particles. Unfortunately the tentacles become food for, or attract too much attention from, fishes that nip and eat them.

smidoid · 07-05-2006, 03:08 PM

I'd say you're right the money there Lee! That helped me to track down some pictures of them and I'd say that's the dude!

Mine is under a rock so it's unlikely the fish will hurt the body even if they do eat the tentacles. Fascinating stuff.

Thanks,

Marc

gregb · 07-05-2006, 08:43 PM

Leebca cant read small print.

charlesr1958 · 07-06-2006, 10:28 AM

I agree, and is one of the first times I have seen a description worthy of being usefull...lol

Full view of the worm although they do appear in a "red" variety as well.

The tubes they form in the sand, usualy as you noted under the safety of a rock or coral.

This is about all of what we normaly see of them. Great little picker uppers!

My Hitch Hiker Pages - may come in handy some day.

Chuck

07-04-2006, 07:12 PM	#1
smidoid Alas, poor Nemo... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: "Smoggy", England, UK Posts: 665	Critter ID request... Hi all, been an eventful time for me and the only thing I have been able to do with my tank is check levels, etc. Everything (so far) is hunky dory, but I noticed a few new critters popping up. None seem to be a problem, but one has me intrigued. (No pictures). It lives under a slab and looks like a bundle of blood-red threads. When left alone these threads slide from under the rock and travel inches across the substrate as if they are fishing for something. The threads are about the thickness of a human hair (a fine hair at that) It (they) seem totally harmless, but it's completely fascinating to watch as these tentacles spread out and appear to be under complete muscular control - rather like individual snakes. There other creatures I can photograph, but I'll wait for now until they develop into something. What's REALLY odd is that the tunicate I got on some LR months ago is growing! I have no idea what it's eating, but it's almost doubled in size. Pity it's butt ugly. __________________ Marc "Mom! Dad's got that stinking rock in the bathtub. Again!" [Science is under attack in our schools. Act now! www.marcdraco.co.uk ]

07-05-2006, 01:32 PM	#2
leebca Moderator - LEE Join Date: May 2006 Location: So CA Posts: 2,443	What you describe could be what is loosely referred to as a Spaghetti Worm. There are several different kinds of these worms. Reef friendly and they perform a valuable service. The 'worm' is actually out of sight, usually buried. The tentacles are sent out looking for food. These worms are of considerable value, disturbing the substrate and picking up bits of missed food particles. Unfortunately the tentacles become food for, or attract too much attention from, fishes that nip and eat them. __________________ LEE Post your fish care and health questions on the Reefland MARINE FISH: CARE, HEALTH AND DISEASE TREATMENT Forum.

07-05-2006, 03:08 PM	#3
smidoid Alas, poor Nemo... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: "Smoggy", England, UK Posts: 665	I'd say you're right the money there Lee! That helped me to track down some pictures of them and I'd say that's the dude! Mine is under a rock so it's unlikely the fish will hurt the body even if they do eat the tentacles. Fascinating stuff. Thanks, Marc __________________ Marc "Mom! Dad's got that stinking rock in the bathtub. Again!" [Science is under attack in our schools. Act now! www.marcdraco.co.uk ]

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07-05-2006, 08:43 PM	#4
gregb Just Moved In Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: australia Posts: 35	Leebca cant read small print.

07-06-2006, 10:28 AM	#5
charlesr1958 Citizen Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cebu Philippines Posts: 184	I agree, and is one of the first times I have seen a description worthy of being usefull...lol Full view of the worm although they do appear in a "red" variety as well. The tubes they form in the sand, usualy as you noted under the safety of a rock or coral. This is about all of what we normaly see of them. Great little picker uppers! My Hitch Hiker Pages - may come in handy some day. Chuck

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