Weird orange string

Gianluca

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jan 25, 2021
Messages
121
Reaction score
60
Location
Northville
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I noticed these weird worms? In my tank they eat food if I put it down there. They've recently been popping up all over the tank. What are they? And are they harmful?
8E7530D8-FC6F-451A-BB51-66996D621704.jpeg
8DB2F533-3923-48B4-B0BA-F0C0ACC2B32C.jpeg
1E0F8536-4FB8-4E97-8360-7F86890E0A0C.jpeg
 

WalkerLovesTheOcean

I love acans
View Badges
Joined
Jan 27, 2024
Messages
5,719
Reaction score
28,898
Location
New York State
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I think that is definitely possible, it looks similar to when I look up "orange Medusa worm" are they bad? Or just detritivores?
I have never had one, but what I have heard is that when they are alive they are fine, but when they die they supposedly release a deadly toxin into the water, which can kill fish, and any other living thing in the tank... That's what I heard at least.
 

vetteguy53081

Well known Member and monster tank lover
View Badges
Joined
Aug 11, 2013
Messages
96,707
Reaction score
215,505
Location
Wisconsin -
Rating - 100%
15   0   0
I noticed these weird worms? In my tank they eat food if I put it down there. They've recently been popping up all over the tank. What are they? And are they harmful?
8E7530D8-FC6F-451A-BB51-66996D621704.jpeg
8DB2F533-3923-48B4-B0BA-F0C0ACC2B32C.jpeg
1E0F8536-4FB8-4E97-8360-7F86890E0A0C.jpeg
Looks like a spaghetti worm which is reef safe
 

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal

Just another girl who likes fish
View Badges
Joined
May 14, 2019
Messages
14,330
Reaction score
21,237
Location
Spring, Texas
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have never had one, but what I have heard is that when they are alive they are fine, but when they die they supposedly release a deadly toxin into the water, which can kill fish, and any other living thing in the tank... That's what I heard at least.
Hair worms are sometimes called "medusa worms" but are not the medusas that become toxic.

Some sea cucumbers are also called medusa worms and *can* release toxins but likely not enough to take out the entire tank.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Gianluca

Gianluca

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Jan 25, 2021
Messages
121
Reaction score
60
Location
Northville
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hair worms are sometimes called "medusa worms" but are not the medusas that becomes toxic.

Some sea cucumbers are also called medusa worms and *can* release toxins but likely not enough to take out the entire tank.
That's super great to know and very relieving! Thank you!
 

HAVE YOU EVER KEPT A RARE/UNCOMMON FISH, CORAL, OR INVERT? SHOW IT OFF IN THE THREAD!

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
Back
Top