I think I may have bristleworms. What do they look like and what are some good creatures to control them?
Bristle worms are Annelids, in the class Polychaeta. They are relatives of the earthworm and commin clamworm. They look like fuzzy segmented worms. Most are simple scavangers, but there are a few species, such as the bright red fire worm, that will eat polyps, clams and other desirable corals and sessile invertebrates. The common bristleworm is a pale yellowish or pinkish gray with light gray bristles. The only proven reef-safe critter we can recommend to control bristle worms is the Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis). There are some species of wrasses and triggers that will eat bristle worms, but many of these will also eat crustaceans and other inverts. Some hobbyists have reported success with some of the reef-safe wrasses, such as the Fairy wrasses (Cirrhilabrus species), and the six-line and four-line wrasses, so those may be good to try as well. Anyone who is reading this FAQ is welcome to put their two-cents in by emailing us at support@aquariumpros.com with other possibiliti
