Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Clam Worm

 Oenone fulgida (Clam Worm)

Oenone fulgida
(Savigny in Lamarck, 1818)

Clam Worm

Not Reef Tank Suitable

Not Suitable for Fish-Only Tank

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Generally called the "Clam" worm, this is a long orange colored worm that is active during the night and feeds mainly on mollusks, e.g., snails and clams. Can drill small holes through the sides of Tridacna shells and kill the clam. Can also secrete mucus around small clams/snails and suffocate them, then devour their tissue. If you notice either a hole through the side of your Tridacna clam, or the unexplained death of snails in your aquarium, you should view your aquarium during very early morning hours with a small flashlight to see whether these worms are the cause. Bait them out as described for bristle worms using defrosted clam/mussel meat or try to remove the rock they are living in.

Family Oenonidae


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