HELP !!!! Coco worm on the loose !!!!

[Sunshine]

Is this normal for a Coco worm to leave his shell ??? I still have one in the shell, this one left and is clear on the other side of the tank behind my clam.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i62/witchlizzard/100_0972.jpg

[marinelife]

I do not know much about coco worms but I would guess no.

[chromiumlux]

I would say you have something that has pulled it out, or a predator of some sort. Just a guess

[jeremyreef]

sometimes they leave the shell when they die

[Sunshine]

:cry:

[ghurlag]

Found this on advanceaquarist.com:


Escaping the tube

Sometimes Sabellastarte spp. leave their tube. This exposes the worm, making it vulnerable to predators. In general it is best not to try to re-insert the worm into its tube. One is more likely to injure it this way, and it is likely that it left the tube for a good reason. Usually they move this way to a better position, in a stronger current. The worm can build a new transparent tube in a matter of hours, and it will coat the tube with sand and detritus over a matter of a few days.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2002/invert.htm

[Sunshine]

Thanks Ghurlag, there is hope after all !!

[ghurlag]

keep us posted for sure! I'll be interested to know if it's just movin' on up, or down for the count

[Sunshine]

After reading that, I remembered that I moved it the other day. It was in the spot the Clown chose for his bedroom. He kept tipping it over so I moved the Coco worm to another spot. So, after reading that, I moved him back to where he was. The Coco worm that is still in the shell hasn't come out in a few days, maybe he left too ... Well, this sucks. I'll keep you posted.

[chromiumlux]

The mystery continues.....please stay tuned

[jeremyreef]

I hope he pulls through

[Sunshine]

I hope he pulls through

Thanks, me too ... I looked in his tube, usually you can see his feathers, but I couldn't see them tonight