Help me I.D. this worm please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jason sartain]

I saw these little brown hairs coming from my sand bed and grabbed it and this worm came out!!!
After looking alot closer I noticed several of them grabbing pellets I had just put in the tank,so my question is,is it safe or is it not safe,have you ever sen these before???
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSCN0693.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSCN0696.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSCN0697.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="DSCN0698.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

 

[dannybradley]

The only common name I know for that is Ball of Yarn worm. They are harmless. Look in this book for it, I think that's where I found it a few years ago. Your LFS should have a copy.

 

[rockdog]

I think it is a spaghetti worm. I have one in my tank too. I am not woried about it...

 

[jason sartain]

So it just sits there and eats????

 

[ralph atl]

it's fine

 

[glxtrix]

nothing to worry about. they're typically in the sand, but can be in the rocks too. They are great for eating left over food or other random particulates in the tank.

 

[FutureInterest]

Its ugly... Keeeelll it.

 

[jason sartain]

Thanks guys.

 

[curator]

Here ia an excellent piece on "spaghetti worms." http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/rs/index.php">http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/rs/index.php</a>

I have several in my tank and enjoy watching them grab a particle of food or detritus with their tentacle and slowly bring it back to the main body of the worm.

 

[heatherpilar]

So what can one do when they seem to take over one's tank??? Help? Or is that ok?

 

[curator]

I guess that begs the question of "what do you mean by take over?" I have LOTS and am gad they are there. If I happen to over-feed from time to time, I can be assured they will eat leftovers.

 

[kirru]

i have one as well, well the exoskeleton, I assume at least. saw it one day and it was floating around, never saw the original body of the specimen.

 

[jonboyb]

My new twin-spot goby has dug a few up since I put him in. I would guess many of the sifting gobies would eat them.

 

[jason sartain]

I have them everywhere in my tank and I like them as well,all they do is eat and not mess with anything in the tank,if you look real close I bet you have alot more than one or two in your tanks!!!