Are Marine Worms Dangerous

Of the many species of worms, the bristleworm is one of the most dangerous. Bristleworms are elongated segmented worms. … Bristleworms are often found under rocks and corals in tropical areas throughout the world – but it’s likelier they are in your saltwater aquarium at home.

Can you touch a bristle worm?

Although bristleworms are not aggressive, they may bite when handled, and the bristles or spines (termed chaetea) can penetrate the skin (sting when touched). The spines penetrate the skin like cactus spines and can be difficult to remove, and usually cause the most symptoms listed below.

Should I get rid of bristle worms?

In addition to feeding on left over food small crustaceans, and detritus from which they extract uneaten parts, bristle worms attack corals and sometimes other animals too (anemones are a good example of the latter). Because of the damage they do, they absolutely need to be physically removed from the aquarium.