Bristle Worms: Friend or Foe and why?

[UDGrad2010]

What is everyone's opinion? Chances are we have all had some of these in our tanks from time to time. What do you think of them and what did you do, or not do, to them?

[chromiumlux]

I leave them alone. They are great scavengers.

[aquatic mouse]

I like them. They are great scavangers, and they are a great indicator of when you are over feeding. The breed like crazy if your feeding too much.

[UDGrad2010]

I leave them alone. They are great scavengers.

I completely agree. It just surprises me to see such an emphasis in books and the web for removing and killings these scavengers. I consider them to be a part of the natural clean up crew that lives in my rock and sand.

[ghurlag]

I think it's a good sign to have them in the system. Obviously you don't want them wrapping around your finger, but just be smart, and respect their habitat. I've never heard of one causing an issue outside of a reefer learning first hand why they are called bristle worms :)