Inking Bristle Worms ?

[milkton]

Hey guys, another problem (once again) for me . As i was cleaning my tank, a few of my bristle worms stuck their tails out and inked and shot out pinkish-purple fluid exactly the same like a sea hare... Im sure it wasnt my seahare as i actually saw these bristle worms do it in my tank... I have no idea if this is good or bad but running extra carbon just in case and doing water changes. Can someone fill me in on this and why they are doing it? I cant find anything thru google about this stuf!!

Thanks for all the help.

 

[sorgan]

Ok it isn't toxic usually but it will irritate gills and eyes of your tanks inhabitants.
Carbon and water changes are perfect as is running your skimmer on overdrive for a few days.
Tbh it's usually only filter feeders that May have a problem and even then it probably won't kill them.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

I have seen bristleworms in my tanks do this before. Never looked it up but had assumed it was spawning/breeding behaviour as I had a couple of them doing it at different sides of the tank.

 

[-Nemo-]

Read somewhere before that it was spawning as well.

 

[Donya]

Read somewhere before that it was spawning as well.

When I've seen various polychaetes spawn, it's usually milky white to yellowish clouds. Purple is a new one to me if that's what it is!

 

[milkton]

alright, its good to know that they dont do much harm. thanks guys

 

[PaBucsFan]

Do all bristle worms "ink"?