How to Remove Bristle Worm

Bristle worms are colorful, caterpillar-like creatures that live in live rock and coral. They grow swiftly, often as long as 24 inches, and are very gluttonous. Although bristle worms may look harmless, they can do a tremendous amount of damage to live reef aquariums, devouring fish and coral alike. It's not difficult to trap a bristle worm; it just takes a little time and a lot of patience.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean plastic food container Razor blade Bait Rubber gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean an opaque plastic food container well. The container will go inside your aquarium, so you don't want any food residue to pollute the water.

    • 2

      Cut an X-shaped hole in the top of the container using a sharp razor blade. The "X" should be just a little bit smaller than the width of the bristle worm you are trying to trap.

    • 3

      Press the loose pieces of plastic in the "X" cut inward (gently) until they are set at a 45-degree angle. They need to remain in this position so that the bristle worm can get into the container but cannot get out.

    • 4

      Place one or two pea-sized pieces of cooked shrimp or raw fish, mussel, scallop or clam meat inside the container. Close the lid securely.

    • 5

      Place the trap inside your aquarium. Check the trap after 48 hours. If you have not yet caught the worm, change the food (or else it will decay and pollute your aquarium) and replace the trap in your aquarium.

    • 6

      Repeat Step 5 until you have trapped the bristle worm. Be patient; it can often take some time to trap a bristle worm.