Help fireworms Hermodice carunculata are eating my coral

[Gabriel Broussard]

The tank is only 55gals with a 10gal refugium. My corals have been decimated by fireworms 'Hermodice carunculata' a specific type of bristle worms that eat everything. They are crafty little devils and know when the tweezers are coming. I have tried the bottle with a cone of netting that has food in it to trap them (like a small crab trap) with no luck. So what i am asking for is advice on traps and what kind of creatures eat them. Bear in mind that there is a large serpent star (a green brittle star 'Ophiarachna incrassata') that has eaten many fish. I have 5 damsel fish 'stegastes variabilis' that know to be weary of the bringer of death and a tomato clown 'Amphiprion frenatus' that hangs out with the star. Very funny friendship but it keeps the tomato clown from being picked on. So saying that there is a constant treat to the whatever fish eats the fireworms is an understatement. Shrimp are out of the question because they are just an expensive dinner. Crabs make it sometimes but unless they have a shell (like hermits) they don't last. Understanding that some wrasse have a hard palate they might be able to eat them. What species of wrasse or other fish are the best for fireworms? What crabs are best to eat them? What other creatures vertebrate or invertebrate eat them? Tonight I will be trying the nylon stocking with food in it to see if that works. If it doesn't I will go get a PVC pipe next. Other trap ideas would be appreciated, but I'm really looking to add to the food chain. Thank you for your time and PLEASE HELP.

[Reefing Madness]

Cone Snail - All About The Cone Snail - Insects

Bearded Fireworm, Hermodice carunculata at MarineBio.org
Read under feeding behavior for your answer. But the Cone Snail is another wierd creature in itself.
I'd remove the fish and coral. Cook the rock. Rinse the substrate, and start over.
Then again, with no food you have no critters, but that will take time.

[Gabriel Broussard]

I had a cone snail and it got eaten, I will try it again though. Natures reset button is drastic and I'm not trying to start over. There has to be other options. I will do more research on the food cycle and look into feeding behavior.

[Gabriel Broussard]

Also please understand that this is a non chem tank that is moved away from mechanical filtration. Natural siphons move the water flow threw live rock and cooking the rock and sub-strait would kill the system.

[Reefing Madness]

Good luck to ya, those ain't easy to get rid of.

[Gabriel Broussard]

Thank you for wishing me luck but I am on a quest for knowledge and suggestions. Even removing the green brittle star from the equation, what other species would you recommend to introduce to eat the fireworms?

[Reefing Madness]

Thank you for wishing me luck but I am on a quest for knowledge and suggestions. Even removing the green brittle star from the equation, what other species would you recommend to introduce to eat the fireworms?

The only, I mean only critter I found that will eat or kill that fire bug is the Cone Snail. I have not found any other thing because of its poison. Sorry I'm of no help to you here.

[Gabriel Broussard]

Thanks anyways if you can recommended me to a friend who may have other information that would be appreciated.

[Reefing Madness]

Leebca
View Profile: leebca - Reef Aquarium Forum, Gallery, Contests, & More - Reefland
If this guy can't help you, then your stuck.

[Gabriel Broussard]

Leebca
View Profile: leebca - Reef Aquarium Forum, Gallery, Contests, & More - Reefland
If this guy can't help you, then your stuck.

Thanks for the help