About Bristle Worms

• Bristle worms can grow quickly and can grow to large sizes. If you happen to see one, keep in mind that they are usually much larger than they appear because they are usually retracted. Bristle worms feed on leftover food, coral and at times other animals. They are nocturnal and are usually not seen during the day. They live in rocks, crevices and in the aquarium sand.
  
  

Bristle Worm Traps

• Check your local pet store and ask for information about traps to decide which trap will work best for you. Generally there are two types, both made of plastic or acrylic. One has a small entrance and once the worm is inside, it cannot exit. The other has a larger entrance with a trap-door mechanism that shuts as soon as anything enters, trapping it.
  
  

How to Trap Them

• Do not get discouraged if it takes a while to catch these animals. Because they are nocturnal, you have to set the traps and then turn off all lights and either cover the aquarium with a towel or close all doors and windows of the room where the aquarium is located. Place the traps in the general area where you suspect the worms are living. Leave the traps for one night to several nights in a row. However, if you leave the traps for more than 48 hours be sure to change the bait because it can begin to pollute your aquarium when it spoils.
  
  

Bait

• There are many types of baits, but these seem to be the most effective in catching bristle worms: scallop meat, muscle meat, clam meat, pieces of fish edible for human consumption and cooked shrimp.
  
  The pieces of food should be fairly small, about the size of a pea or two. Make sure the food is not mushy; cut pieces with a sharp knife. Place the food in the trap and make sure it stays at the bottom of the trap when you place it in the aquarium.