What kind of worm is this and how dangeorus is it?

[FunGuy]

Hi,

I started to catch this worm peeking out at times and was told by one reefer it could be dangerous to my fish if it got hungry enough.

It's a purplish/blue in color with white bristles. It's about 4" long and 1/2" wide.

Let me know if you know what it is... I was going to reaquascape soon and add sand, but didn't want to touch this sucker with my hand....

Thanks,

- Herman

 

[GreshamH]

Can you remove it from the tank lighting so I can see the color better? How about a top down shot as well? FWIW it looks like a harmless bristle worm, but it's nasty cousin is pretty close looking as well.

 

[FunGuy]

Thanks for the quick response. I thought those bristle worms were just the orange ones I usually see This guy is monstrous. Here are several additional pics. I also just found this article so I'm going to read it more carefully.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-03/rs/index.php

 

[GreshamH]

looks just like a normal one to me. I used to have them reach a foot long in my old mixed reef. Pink/orange are two common colors for them.

 

[FunGuy]

Thanks Gresham.

 

[bluenassarius]

you add the sand yet herman?

 

[FunGuy]

Not yet. I may do it next weekend or the one after. I will do it soon.