help with identifying worm

aquascapist · Unread post by **aquascapist** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 2:12 pm

Hello Everyone,
Found this hitchhiker in my substrate in planted tank. Can someone identify what this is...Its probably about 6-7cm in lenght and 1mm in width. want to know whether its harmless or not. thanks

Unread post by **sushant** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:17 pm

aquascapist wrote:Hello Everyone,
Found this hitchhiker in my substrate in planted tank. Can someone identify what this is...Its probably about 6-7cm in lenght and 1mm in width. want to know whether its harmless or not. thanks

i have never came across anything like this in fresh water tank. i too would like to know more about it.

Unread post by **SCORPIO** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:01 pm

These types of worms are frequent in marine environment but never seen in freshwater tanks. But I will try to find the identification of this creature.

Arjun Tandon · Unread post by **Arjun Tandon** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:20 pm

Is your planted tank filled with water or you are using the "Dry Start Method"
Also, which substrate have you used and from which source

aquascapist · Unread post by **aquascapist** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:51 pm

@scorpio thanks for the effort.
@Arjun tank is filled with water..up and running for about five months. substrate is ADA amazonia.

Arjun Tandon · Tue Jan 15, 2013 11:55 pm

Looks like a Freshwater Bristle Worm
Don't know if it is harmful or not

Unread post by **SCORPIO** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 8:53 am

I am also agree to Arjun Tandon.

aquascapist · Unread post by **aquascapist** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:22 pm

thanks Arjun, looks like it is a freshwater bristleworm..I thought they existed only in marine tanks. Im still trying to catch hold of him..the bugger is fast. Its too small right now to harm fishes but i don't know if that holds if it grows large enough. still havent found much info on this.

Arjun Tandon · Unread post by **Arjun Tandon** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:11 pm

Always happy to help

Unread post by **Romi** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:15 pm

@arjun Tandon

Good job IDing, buddy.

@Aqua

There are over 168 species of freshwater bristleworm. Be careful you do not touch it without gloves since it might be one of those that can pierce skin, not very dangerous but a little painful yes. Also, keep an eye on your fish, if they show signs of fear or damage, remove this worm.

They often eat detritus (left over organic content from food) only, which helps keep tank clean, so it might be an interesing creature to keep otherwise.

aquapetz.com

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