something new every day

[wltr013104]

My husband and I recently purchased our first tank. We have hit some snags along the way but seem to be mellowing out now. I do have a few questions though. We seem to have a pistol shrimp that tagged along in our live rock and just recently came out, is this dangerous to our fish? Also, I have noticed in the past week that we have what looks like tentacles coming out of some of the holes in our live rock, has anyone ever experienced this???

[philip_r5]

How thick are the tentacles? Do they look like a worm?

Found Research of Pistol Shrimps and IMO stuff

The Pistol Shrimp may also be called Symbiosis Shrimp and Snapping Shrimp. It is found in a variety of colors and sizes. Pistol Shrimp are not easily sexed, but the males of many species are thought to have a larger pincher. The sound it makes comes from an appendage on the pincher which moves when the pincher is opened or closed and water is ejected. The Pistol Shrimp can be easily confused with Mantis Shrimp if judged by sound only. Unlike the Mantis Shrimp, it is not harmful and will not pose any threat in the tank, with the possible exception of smaller shrimp.

The name Symbiotic Shrimp comes from the equally beneficial relationship the Pistol Shrimp has with gobies (e.g.;Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops). The goby, with better eyesight, warns the shrimp of predators. The shrimp share its food with the goby. Depending upon the species, Pistol Shrimp may also have symbiotic relationships with sponges, corals, or anemones (e.g.; Bartholomea annulata).

It is beneficial to the tank as it churns the sand. It thrives in environments with sand, rock caves, and dim light. If in pairs, one will often stand guard at the burrow while the other is inside. The Pistol Shrimp is intolerant of copper or high nitrate levels, but needs a correct level of iodine in the water to promote proper molting.

Pistol Shrimp will accept freeze-dried and frozen foods and bottom feeder tablets, as well as scavenge for algae in the aquarium. The Pistol Shrimp are intolerant of copper or high nitrate levels, but need a correct level of iodine in the water to promote proper molting.

IMO the shrimp may try to eat corals only if they are lacking food, which they hardly do. They are scavengers and eat algaes!

(IMO= in my opinion)

[wltr013104]

Thanks you so much, I feel better already. We already had a fairly large matis in the rockj and had to remove him, I really was not up for all of that again! The tentacles are red and look kind of spiny. Like little starfish legs sticking out of a few hole in our live rock. I've never seen any of them move from the hole they just kind our move back and forth agaist the sand?

[Urban_s]

Welcome to 3Reef!

[Birchell]

they mite be some kinda feather worm. I have some red ones.

[coral reefer]

As for tentacles you see in your live rock, my guess without actually seeing it is that it is, either a Terebellid(spaghetti, Medusa), or Spionid(hair) worm! They are both beneficial and pose no threat to your tank! They are detrivores so they will aid in the removal of waste etc.