Bearded fireworm
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| Bearded fireworm | ||||||||||||
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.jpg/250px-Bearded_Fireworm_(Small).jpg) Bearded Fireworm
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| Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766) |
The bearded fireworm, Hermodice carunculata, is a type of marine bristleworm that is considered by many to be a particularly beautiful and colourful species.
[edit] Appearance
Bearded fireworms are usually between 5–10 centimetres (1.9–3.9 in) in length, but can reach up to 35 centimetres (13.8 in). They are endowed with a group of poisonous white bristles on each side, which are flared out when the worm is disturbed.
[edit] Habitat
The bearded fireworm is usually found on reefs, under stones in rocky areas of the sea, and on some mud bottoms. Sometimes, they can be found to be hidden on moss-covered rocks.
It is encountered throughout the tropical western atlantic and at Ascension Island in mid-Atlantic. It can be found near ocean reefs and at least 150m.
[edit] Disposition and defences
The bearded fireworm is a slow creature, and is not considered a threat to humans unless touched by a careless swimmer. The bristles, when flared, can penetrate human skin with little difficulty, producing intense irritation around the area of contact. In a case of accidental contact, application and removal of adhesive tape will help remove the spines; applying alcohol to the area will also help alleviate the pain.
