Bristleworm or not to Bristleworm or is it Brissleworm

[vtec si]

Hello everyone, I know that it has been a long time since my last post! But I am back now! I won't get in to way I have been gone at this time but may be later in a different fourm.
Any ways I have a question. I have been reading a lot about bristleworms and some say that they are bad and others say that they are good and help out keeping the tank clean. What do you guys think?

Laters,
VTEC SI

[Rin]

I've heard that some bristleworms can be bad, I have yet to see a bad one or hear a first-hand story about a bad one.

I say that if the worm isn't on the top of the food chain in your aquarium, then leave it alone.

[Northman_with_reef]

I'vce heard of bristleworms eating frags......BUT I've also heard of bristle worms wich actually live of the dead interrior of Tridacnid clams......

I think its a matter of species....

Thomas

[FishDaddy]

In general, the bristleworms we see in our tanks are the "good guys"; excellent detrivores. I'm glad to have mine. Just be careful when handling rocks as the bristles are uncomfortable. In the event you get some of their prickles in your fingers, keep some Elmer's Glue handy. Spread the glue on your affected fingers; let it dry; then peel the dried glue off. Most of the little bristles will come off with the glue.

Please read Rob Toonen's excellent article:
http://www.aquarium.net/0697/0697_2.shtml

And, Dr. Shimek has some good worm articles listed here:
http://www.reefs.org/library/aquariu...ers/index.html

HTH
Dick

[icemark]

actually I thought they were called Fireworms, that bristle worms was an incorrect identification in most cases.

[FishDaddy]

Icemark,
"Fireworms" are but a species of Bristleworm. Bristleworm is just the common name we give to worms in the class Polychaeta, which actually means "many bristles", in Latin.
Dick

[icemark]

Originally posted by FishDaddy
Icemark,
"Fireworms" are but a species of Bristleworm. Bristleworm is just the common name we give to worms in the class Polychaeta, which actually means "many bristles", in Latin.
Dick

Could have swore it was the other way around... oh well you learn something everyday