Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2317552
Hermodice carunculata
hermodice carunculataAlso known as Bearded Fireworm, Fireworm, Bristle Worm
Bearded fireworms are brightly colored marine bristleworms that crawl slowly over reefs in search of prey. Their bodies are fringed with hundreds of hollow, white bristles that flare outward when threatened, acting as a highly effective defense mechanism. These voracious predators feed on living corals, stripping tissue from the skeleton and leaving white scars in their wake.
MarineVenomousColorful
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Stony corals
- Gorgonians
- Sea anemones
Predators
- Cone snails
- Crabs
- Wrasses
ThreatsHabitat degradation, climate change, and ocean acidification
HabitatsCoral reefs, rocky shores, seagrass beds, and muddy shallows
Life spanUp to 4 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAmphinomida
- FamilyAmphinomidae
- GenusHermodice
- Specieshermodice carunculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Bristles inject a painful neurotoxin upon contact; do not touch under any circumstances.
- Why it is dangerous
- Hollow, brittle bristles easily break off in skin, injecting a potent neurotoxin that causes intense burning, swelling, and nausea.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a segmented, flattened body up to 30 centimeters long, fringed with bright white bristle tufts and red gills.
- What to do
- Never touch or handle; if stung, use sticky tape to remove the bristles and apply vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
Responsible observation
- Look but do not touch: Observe these colorful worms from a safe distance without making physical contact.
- Watch for flare-ups: When threatened, they flare their white bristles as a warning sign.
- Check coral crevices: Look closely at damaged coral colonies where they often feed during the day.
Close Relative (c) りなべる, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by りなべる · cc-by
Image unavailableDistant Relative
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