Strawberry Worm (Eupolymnia nebulosa) – Complete Care Guide

General Information

The Strawberry Worm, scientifically known as Eupolymnia nebulosa, is a fascinating and beneficial addition to marine aquariums. This species belongs to the family Terebellidae and is commonly referred to as a "spaghetti worm" due to its long, thin feeding tentacles that resemble strands of spaghetti. These worms are detritivores, playing a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of the substrate by consuming organic debris and uneaten food. Their unique appearance and ecological benefits make them a favorite among reef keepers.

Strawberry Worms are non-aggressive and spend most of their time buried in the substrate, with only their tentacles visible as they search for food. They are often introduced into aquariums inadvertently on live rock or coral frags, but many aquarists choose to keep them intentionally for their utility in maintaining a healthy tank ecosystem.

Care

Strawberry Worms are incredibly low-maintenance and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels. They thrive in a variety of tank setups, from fish-only systems to full reef tanks. These worms prefer a sandy or fine-gravel substrate where they can burrow and establish their feeding network. They require stable water parameters and benefit from a mature tank with plenty of detritus and microfauna to sustain them.

To ensure their well-being, avoid aggressive tank mates that may prey on them, such as certain wrasses or crabs. They are also sensitive to sudden changes in water quality, so regular maintenance and monitoring are essential.

Diet and Feeding

As natural detritivores, Strawberry Worms feed on organic debris, uneaten food, and microscopic organisms found in the substrate. In a well-established aquarium, they often require little to no supplemental feeding. However, in newer or less nutrient-rich systems, they can be fed finely powdered fish food, phytoplankton, or other microfauna-rich supplements to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Their feeding tentacles are highly efficient at collecting food particles, making them an asset in maintaining a clean and balanced tank environment. Overfeeding should be avoided, as it can lead to water quality issues.

Behavior and Compatibility

Strawberry Worms are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them ideal for community tanks. They are compatible with a wide range of tank inhabitants, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised when housing them with species that may view them as prey, such as certain wrasses, triggerfish, or predatory crabs.

These worms are solitary and do not require companions of their own kind. They are most active at night or in low light conditions, extending their tentacles to forage for food. Their unobtrusive nature and beneficial role in the tank make them a valuable addition to any marine setup.

Health and Common Issues

Strawberry Worms are hardy and resilient, but they can be affected by poor water quality or predation. To keep them healthy, maintain stable water parameters and avoid introducing aggressive tank mates. Signs of stress or poor health include retracted tentacles or a failure to burrow into the substrate.

When introducing new live rock or coral frags, inspect them for hitchhikers that may harm the worms. Regular tank maintenance and monitoring will help ensure their long-term health and vitality.

Habitat

In the wild, Eupolymnia nebulosa is found in sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters. Their natural range includes tropical and subtropical regions, where they play a vital role in the benthic ecosystem by recycling organic material. Replicating these conditions in captivity—a sandy substrate and stable water parameters—will help them thrive.

Common name: Strawberry Worm