Coco Worm placement

[Seige]

New coco worm.

Is it ok if it's tube is placed with the "crown" end angled downwards? Have a nice protected hole through a LR for it but only way to place it is for the crown to be a lot lower then the tail end at roughly a 30 degree angle. Tried researching it but can't find any specifics.

Wondering if detritus will build up in the tube...

[Ninong]

It should not be angled down. It should be placed such that the head of the worm is higher than its rear end. The opening of the tube should allow the worm's tentacle crown (radioles) to emerge in either a horizontal or slightly vertical position. The opening should not be aimed down. Detritus will not build up in the opening of the tube because the worm closes its operculum when it retracts its crown. It should be placed in an area with constant water flow but not really strong flow.

This is a very poor choice for a new aquarium. In fact, it's a poor choice for any aquarium but an especially inappropriate one for a new aquarium. Under the best of conditions, meaning in a large, mature tank with lots of natural plankton and daily additions of live phytoplankton, it's average lifespan is less than two years. You probably know that these animals are strictly filter feeders but what you may not know is that they filter constantly, provided their crown is exposed. It is believed that they feed primarily on phytoplankton.

Good luck but I doubt that it will survive a year, probably less. Sorry.

[Ninong]

Check out this video clip of a coco worm's tentacles emerging from its tube. They are very beautiful. Too bad they are nearly impossible to keep alive long-term.

[kronos5]

Wow, what a great website!

[Seige]

I'm thinking the coco worm liked his old spot better even though the "head" end was about 2" deeper then the "tail" end. He was out all the time. Now he's hardly ever out.