Unknown White String Thing.. still unknown 2/24/04
Hey Crew
<howdy>
Hope all is well. I have a 35 gallon hex with a Fluval 404, Bak Pak skimmer and a 96 watt PC 50/50. I have 2 Perculas, 1 Coral Beauty, 1 cleaner shrimp, A small open Brain, a scallop (I know you disapprove, but I take good care of him), 8 margarita snails, a couple hermits and a sand sifting star. Ph 8.2, Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates 10, Temp 80. My question is regarding white hair like stings that have shown up in my tank over the last week. I have read through every FAQ I can find but have not found anything that answers my question. I have attached a few pictures for you. Sorry for the quality, a hex tank makes it hard to get close up pictures, so I had to enlarge them. They are primarily on the glass but I do have some on the LR. They are stationary (or if not, none of them have moved) and appear to just lifelessly wave in the current. I am not even sure if they are alive!! At first I thought some sort of snail excrement or eggs, but there are to many and they are about 1mm thick and 1.5" long. My only thought is that they are some sort of worm or ectoproct. I have not seen a negative effect on the system, but that does not mean they are harmless. I appreciate your help! Have a great day! Scott
<alas... the pics are low res and a blur. Nothing we can see from here. It would not be surprising if it were a worm though. Do send a better pic if you can in time. Read more on polychaetes in the archives until then or beyond. Kindly, Anthony>
A Wacky Worm!
Dear Crew:
<Hi there! Scott F. here today!>
Hello again! Just a quick ID here if it is not too much trouble. I tried to keep the .Jpg size as small as possible
I just ordered 50lbs of NANO size Marshall Island rock. I placed the rock in a couple small QT tanks so I can make sure of it before adding to my already settled main display tank without any problems.
<Excellent procedure!>
On day 2, this little thing made its' way to the front of the glass. Any ideas what it could be? Thank yo so much in advance for all of your help!
Steve
<Well, Steve- it looks to me to be a Sipunculid, commonly known as a "Peanut Worm" (Now, ask yourself- does that thing look like a peanut to you?). They are fairly common on South Pacific rock, and are essentially harmless detritivores or suspension feeders. It will eventually settle back into the rock or substrate if it is healthy. They do best in situations where supplemental "feeding" systems, such as refugia, are connected to the main tank, or where you have a thriving reef system. Enjoy this oddity! Regards, Scott F>
its the eight picture on that site