Hermodice carunculata

(Pallas, 1766)

Bearded Fireworm

Range: Western Tropical Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Size: 6 - 12 inches (15 - 30 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits sandy, rocky, and muddy bottom areas on local coastlines and reefs.

Aquarium Suitability: These are omnivores and are noted to be selective in which type of prey they choose to eat. They are also known to consume zoanthids and sea anemones!

Mainly active at night.

If necessary, the introduction to this Group in the Species Library has ways to trap and remove unwanted specimens.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Annelida

Class: Polychaeta

Order: Amphinomida

Family: Amphinomidae

Genus: Hermodice

FYI: Has hollow bristles along each side which are filled with venom and if disturbed, the bristles become flared so that they become more exposed. These can easily break off and penetrate flesh if touched, with the venom causing an intense burning irritation, with nausea and dizziness! Do not handle with bare hands!

As an interesting side note, during breeding; when the females come to the surface to breed, they emit a green phosphorescent glow. This is thought to attract the males, which then move towards the females, emitting a similar light at each other.