Bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Hermodice carunculata
- Common name
- Bearded fireworm
- Category
- Worms
- Family
- Amphinomidae
- Genus
- Hermodice
- Size
- 10–35 cm
- Depth
- 0–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, venomous
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Hermodice carunculata reaches 35 cm. Hairy worm (Polychaeta, Amphinomidae) amphi-Atlantic tropical and warm-temperate (Caribbean, Mediterranean, tropical East Atlantic) with elongated segmented yellow-green to red-brown body with highly venomous stinging white calcareous bristle tufts (hence fireworm). Brittle bristles remaining in skin, intense hours-long pain, possible necrosis. Lives from 0 to 60 m on coral and rocky reefs. Opportunistic predator of soft corals, anemones, gorgonians, sponges. Very common. Distance-respected macro photo subject, never touch.
Photo of Bearded fireworm
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Bearded fireworm?
- Bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) reaches 10–35 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Bearded fireworm?
- Bearded fireworm is found between 0–60 m deep.
- Is the Bearded fireworm dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Bearded fireworm?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Bearded fireworm?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Amphinomidae
- Eurythoe complanata - Flat fireworm
- Chloeia viridis - Green fireworm
- Pherecardia striata - Striped fireworm
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 129831)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2317552)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia