Reeflings

Worms

19 species

Worms in the marine aquarium hobby are fascinating creatures that play various roles in the ecosystem, providing both functional benefits and aesthetic interest. These worms come in many forms, from harmless detritivores to more potentially harmful species, making them both beneficial and, in some cases, problematic in reef tanks.

Bristle worms are among the most common types found in marine aquariums. While they often get a bad reputation as pests, many bristle worms are actually beneficial, acting as natural cleaners by consuming uneaten food and detritus. However, some bristle worms, particularly fireworms (a more toxic subgroup of bristle worms), can pose a threat to corals and other invertebrates due to their venomous bristles.

Peanut worms are another type often found in reef tanks, usually in the live rock or substrate. These harmless detritivores help keep the aquarium clean by feeding on organic matter and contribute to nutrient recycling.

Other worms, such as flatworms or ribbon worms, may also appear in marine tanks, sometimes as beneficial cleaners or sometimes as pests that can overpopulate and harm other species.

  1. King Ragworm (Alitta virens)
    Common name: King Ragworm
    Scientific name: Alitta virens
  2. Green Spoon Worm (Bonellia viridis)
    Common name: Green Spoonworm
    Scientific name: Bonellia viridis
  3. Marine Blue Flatworm (Cycloporus venetus)
    Common name: Marine Blue Flatworm
    Scientific name: Cycloporus venetus
  4. Green Leaf Worm (Eulalia viridis)
    Common name: Green Leaf Worm
    Scientific name: Eulalia viridis
  5. Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois)
    Common name: Bobbit Worm
    Scientific name: Eunice aphroditois
  6. Common name: Norwegian Sea Worm
    Scientific name: Eunice norvegica
  7. Strawberry Worm (Eupolymnia nebulosa)
    Common name: Strawberry Worm
    Scientific name: Eupolymnia nebulosa
  8. Common name: Unicorn Worm
    Scientific name: Glycera unicornis
  9. Sponge Worm (Haplosyllis spongicola)
    Common name: Sponge Worm
    Scientific name: Haplosyllis spongicola
  10. Scale Worm (Lepidonotus clava)
    Common name: Scale Worm
    Scientific name: Lepidonotus clava
  11. Flatworm (Leptoplana tremellaris)
    Common name: Flatworm
    Scientific name: Leptoplana tremellaris
  12. Medusa Worm (Loimia medusa)
    Common name: Medusa Worm
    Scientific name: Loimia medusa
  13. Orsak's Flatworm (Maiazoon orsaki)
    Common name: Orsak's Flatworm
    Scientific name: Maiazoon orsaki
  14. Slender Ragworm (Nereis pelagica)
    Common name: Slender Ragworm
    Scientific name: Nereis pelagica
  15. Clam Worm (Nereis vexillosa)
    Common name: Clam Worm
    Scientific name: Nereis vexillosa
  16. Glowing Paddle Worm (Oenone fulgida)
    Common name: Glowing Paddle Worm
    Scientific name: Oenone fulgida
  17. Lamellate Leaf Worm (Phyllodoce lamelligera)
    Common name: Lamellate Leaf Worm
    Scientific name: Phyllodoce lamelligera
  18. Persian Carpet Flatworm (Pseudobiceros bedfordi) - Palau
    Common name: Persian Carpet Flatworm
    Scientific name: Pseudobiceros bedfordi
  19. Peanut Worm (Sipunculus nudus)
    Common name: Peanut Worm
    Scientific name: Sipunculus nudus