bristleworms as predators?

H

harial

ok so I just bought these new peppermint shrimp but I am afraid to put them into my nano cube. there seems to one or two LARGE bristle worms in my tank. When I rearranged the rock i found two medium ones and disposed of them. I do not mind the small ones so much but the large(3-4 inches) ones scare me and I am afraid that they may become predators if something like a small peppermint shrimp is presented to them. is this possible or are they just scavengers. I had a peppermint in there when I began the tank but he got eaten by something and I don't think it was the half inch hermit if you know what I mean.

Also is there some way to catch them? like a trap or something that my clown won't try to get into?

thanks
Heather
 
In my 20G I have 2 that are at least 8 inches long and a couple that are 3-4". I have a cleaner shrimp, blood shrimp, clowns, an anemone, small brittle stars and all kinds of corals in there for over 2 years now and no issues from the big guys. I rarely see them. Usually only if a piece of food gets near the base of the rock.
 
Bristle worms are of no concern. They are deteris eaters. Large Bristle Stars on the other hand are a problem!!

Dang thing cost me 8 dollars and ate over 100 dollars worth of fish!!!

Finally had to tear my entire setup to get to him!!! I watched with envy has he lay drying in the HOT sun! :evil:
 
Hmm... My large bristle stars get their butts kicked everytime they get near any of my fishes food. My large female clown ripped off one their legs once because it was close to her eggs. :)
 
David Lam, You paid 8 bucks for a bristle worm???
Was it a special bristle worm??

The only time I lose any shrimp is right after they molt, and the bristle worms are the only possible culprit. Since killing all the big ones the deaths have ceased.

Another way to get them out of your live rock is to pour soda water on your rocks, but make sure they dont go back inside to die, or you will have to re-cure your rocks.
Does anyone know why they are incompatible with seahorses?
 
I think he said bristle star. and I have seen the huge green ones at the LFS that are like 6 inches across
 
Does anyone know why they are incompatible with seahorses? said:
Because at times the horses will see them as food and snick them. The bristles can do enough damage to the snout to easily kill a horse by means of infection, the toxins themselves, or disabling the horse to eat.
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Then I better pull out the two I've seen in Casper's tank. Thanks Amanda.
 
Amanda
I have them in my SH tank as well. They are big ones so i will take them out as well. They come out for dinner as fast as the ponies do. Mine will be easy to get rid of.

How would you know if it got stuck ?

How would you care for the horse if it got stuck ?

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