Little red thing on the base of a new frag

[Jasongtr]

We bought a new hammer frag a couple of days ago, it was dipped and one or two critters came off but I was just looking in the tank with a torchlight off my phone and noticed a couple of red specs at the base, they are light sensitive as the retract immediately when the torch light goes on them, should I remove the frag and dip again?

It's a really bad picture but as soon as light or the flash goes on they instantly recoil.

I can only describe what I briefly see but they seem to have legs or feelers or suchlike then just very quickly retract

 

[DrkNMighty]

Hard to tell but maybe a bristleworm.

 

[Jasongtr]

Hard to tell but maybe a bristleworm.

Would they retract quickly when light hits them?

 

[DrkNMighty]

Yes, they can be light sensitive.

 

[Cali Reef Life]

Best way to find out is to dip coral again and see what falls out.

 

[Jasongtr]

Best way to find out is to dip coral again and see what falls out.

Yeah I'm going to do that I think, I need to remove it from the plug as that's where they are hiding, best to be safe I guess

 

[Cali Reef Life]

Well if you get a picture of it outside tank we can find out if friend or foe. Bristle worms can cause itchy fingers but most species are good for the tank. Either way dip on side of caution.

 

[Jasongtr]

Managed to get a much better pic

 

[Jasongtr]

Managed to get a much better pic

Could it be a little feather duster?

 

[Cali Reef Life]

Definitely a feather duster worm. Keep it or use tweezers to scrap it off.

 

[Jasongtr]

Definitely a feather duster worm. Keep it or use tweezers to scrap it off.

If its going to do no harm I'll leave it there

 

[mihali]

No it won’t cause harm but it could grow and they look really cool I would defo leave it on!