I have what looks to be tiny sea cucumbers in my reef tank, should I be concerned?

These so called tiny sea cucumbers are up to 3/8" long, semi-transparent with an orange tint and little white spikes sticking out. They are coming up out of the sand bottom. (I can see them pressed against the glass, under the sand) So far i've counted about a dozen.|||They could be sea cucumbers or a type of bristle worm (A photo would be helpful). You have a reef tank, sea cukes are a no no. Some will eat the corals you have. Sounds more like a type of bristle worm, they have their good points and their bad points. I keep mine and allow them to do all the clean up. they will eat brine shrim and food that fish miss. however you do not want an infestation either. Banded shrimp are used to control them as well as anemone. Again, be careful when choosing any of these to ensure what you have in your tank is compatable.





Bristle worms usually hide in the rocks, but are known to also hide in the sand. DO NOT TOUCH THEM. Removing with tweezers is almost impossiable. they are quick. If you feel you do not want them, the easiest way to rid your tank is to use panty hose. a piece of panty hose with pellet foods or a piece of frozen shrimp or fish tied up and placed at the bottom of the tank. Leave it over night and remove it and the worms in the morning. their spikes get caught in the netting and they cannot retreat to their hiding places. Traps don't work. Banded shrimp are great to keep the little ones under control however a large worm (8" or more) has been known to attack these shrimp while resting.





Repost or email me a photo and I will try to help from there.|||They don't sound like sea cucumbers...more like a type of worm that you don't want!!!! Use tweezers to get them out. (I can't remember what they are called right now....) Go to saltwaterfish.com and read their chat boards. You will get a lot of info there. Post your questions there and you will get answers from people who have had tanks for years! Good luck to you!|||okay i just researched this and this what i got out of it, yes you do have sea cucumbers and yes i would be concerned a little , they can be dangerous. this how i found about it.|||Bristle worms.


As long as they are not large they should be ok but when you see them, try to remove them.


They can prick your fingers so use a small net if possable.