Bearded fire worm
Scientific name: Hermodice Carunculata
Description: Bearded fire worms can reach up to 10 cm in length. Although small and fuzzy, they are dangerous and very painful to touch. The fuzzy bristles on the sides of their segmented body are venomous, producing a burning sensation hence their name. Fireworms are found in tropical reefs feeding commonly on Staghorn coral polyps. They bite off the tip of the living coral and move onto another tip.
Fun Facts:
- The bristles will break off and eject into your skin once contact is achieved.
- Fireworms become bioluminescent or glow green when attracting a mate!
