Flat fireworm (Eurythoe complanata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Eurythoe complanata
- Common name
- Flat fireworm
- Category
- Worms
- Family
- Amphinomidae
- Genus
- Eurythoe
- Size
- 10–25 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Eurythoe complanata reaches 25 cm. Amphinomid polychaete (Amphinomidae) circumtropical (West Atlantic, Pacific, Indo-Pacific) with flattened segmented body red-brown to yellow-brown with tufts of long white urticating bristles on each segment, small head with palps. Lives from 1 to 30 m under stones and in crevices of coral and rocky reefs. Nocturnal, scavenger and predator of corals and sponges. Hollow bristles containing venom, extremely painful contact (fire sensation), never touch bare-handed. Spectacular and dangerous night dive photo subject.
Photo of Flat fireworm
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Flat fireworm?
- Flat fireworm (Eurythoe complanata) reaches 10–25 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Flat fireworm?
- Flat fireworm is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Flat fireworm dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Flat fireworm?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Flat fireworm?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Amphinomidae
- Hermodice carunculata - Bearded fireworm
- Chloeia viridis - Green fireworm
- Pherecardia striata - Striped fireworm
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 129829)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2317572)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia