Striped fireworm (Pherecardia striata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Pherecardia striata
- Common name
- Striped fireworm
- Category
- Worms
- Family
- Amphinomidae
- Genus
- Pherecardia
- Size
- 5–15 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, Mediterranean
Description
Pherecardia striata reaches 15 cm. Amphinomid polychaete (Amphinomidae) Indo-Pacific with segmented body with alternating characteristic white and black-brown longitudinal bands (hence striata), dense white bristle tufts on sides of each segment, small head with palps. Lives from 1 to 30 m on coral and rocky reefs, in crevices and under stones. Nocturnal, scavenger and predator, associated with wounded crown-of-thorns starfish. Urticating bristles, never touch. Interesting night dive photo subject for graphic striped pattern.
Photo of Striped fireworm
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Striped fireworm?
- Striped fireworm (Pherecardia striata) reaches 5–15 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Striped fireworm?
- Striped fireworm is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Striped fireworm dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Striped fireworm?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Striped fireworm?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Amphinomidae
- Hermodice carunculata - Bearded fireworm
- Eurythoe complanata - Flat fireworm
- Chloeia viridis - Green fireworm
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 209699)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2317712)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia