Bristle Worms: Good or Bad

[fishguy23]

I believe I found a bunch of Bristle Worms (Orange col, 1/2 " in size) underneath a rock, are these not good or beneficial, how did I get them, and if they are bad how can I get rid of them?

 

[NYreefNoob]

good just dont touch them

 

[reefkprZ]

bristle worms are detritivores, there are a few exceptions but most of the ones encountered by hobbyests are detritivors and scavangers. only rare exceptions arrise. I would ignore the presence of them unless my tank seemed to be overrun or if there was a sudden increase inpopulation, they will not populate over the available amount of food for them. uif you have too many bristle worms you have too much food available.

seeing them is not a bad sign. (I have one that is 18" long in my 65G) and all my corals and fish are unharmed.

 

[daaznmofo]

here's a link another member sent me
http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSh...ristleworm.htm

 

[reefkprZ]

I have to say I love this part off that link

Family: Polychaete Common Name: Acropora Crab

 

[REEF MANIA]

They are good just don't touch them.

 

[Earlie]

I agree with the last post, DON'T TOUCH THEM

 

[jhale]

if you get stuck with bristles white vinegar will dissolve them, soak your hand in vinegar for a minute, they will melt away.

 

[barebucta]

if you get stuck with bristles white vinegar will dissolve them, soak your hand in vinegar for a minute, they will melt away.

Wish you were around after the 100th time I got stuck.

 

[KathyC]

if you get stuck with bristles white vinegar will dissolve them, soak your hand in vinegar for a minute, they will melt away.

Well...close but no cigar I've been down this road and was stung badly by a large bristle worm..here is the latest & greatest on what to do if you are unfortunate enough to actually grab a hold of one of these guys...


The Poison Control Center suggests the following:
1- Soak the area with the bristles in water as HOT as you can stand for 20 minutes. This is to reduce the amount of toxins getting into your system.
2- Soak the area in vinegar for 20 minutes.
3- While they do suggest attempting to remove remaining bristles using duct tape, I found the tape pushed them in further and would suggest you use tweezers to remove them.

For individuals who are highly allergic (to bee stings and such)..if you have an immediate bad reaction to the sting (not likely but they like to cover their butts), they suggest you go to an emergency room (where the Doctor who probably wouldn't know a bristle worm from the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow will also call the Poison Contol Center and do what is stated in the instructions above for the mere charge of $1,000.00)

 

[smackoww]

well, if you are highly allergic, id go to the ER anyway, haha they would load you up on steroids for an allergic reaction... and maybe try the duct tape thing