Original story at The Telegraph
Aquarium shop workers investigating the disappearance of dozens of fish found the culprit – a terrifying three-and-a-half-foot sea worm hidden in a tank for ten years.
The creepy Bobbit Worm – usually found at in the ocean at depths up to 150ft – was discovered preying on fish in the 200 gallon tank.
Staff at Maidenhead Aquatics in Woking, Surrey, had noticed many of its fish going missing.
But they only found the culprit when they emptied a massive leaky tank – and found the Bobbit Worm.
The sea worm is thought to have arrived as a stowaway around ten years ago in a rock, and buried itself in the floor of the tank.
Store manager John Penny said: “The worm was found when we were breaking down our big display, because it was leaking.
“The worm was three-and-a-half feet long, we really struggled to get the rock out of there, because it was so heavy. It was so creepy.
“It split into three sections. The tail end died within a few days. The other two sections are still alive.
“They are from tropical waters and do have very large pincers that can nip, especially if you touch them.”
The worm, which is a couple of inches thick, was discovered on October 7, when the 12-year-old tank was emptied to carry out essential maintenance.
“We have been trying to do some research on them,” Mr Penny said. “It has been reported that they can get up to four metres in length. They are from tropical waters.
“They do have very large pincers that can nip, especially if you touch them. They also release a slime that can irritate the skin.
“I have had one in my home aquarium. This is the first time we have had one of three-and-a-half-feet in the shop.
“They are not common, to be honest. They come through now and again. Only in an established tank would you find one getting up to this size.”
The Bobbit worm, which is in two pieces, is currently in a tank on the counter at Maidenhead Aquatics Woking, where staff are keeping a close eye on it.
Mr Penny, from Maybury Hill, said the ends of the section that broke off have healed over and they are waiting to see if a new head grows.
“We are just waiting to see what happens,” he added.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Eww…! Where did that come from?’ Marine customers are more likely to say, ‘Wow that’s amazing’.”
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