Bearded Fireworm

Hermodice carunculata, otherwise known as the bearded fireworm, can be identified by short white tufts that protrude from each body segment and a branched appendage of flesh on the head called a caruncle.  The bearded fireworm's color can vary from red, green, yellow, or even brown.  Usually they grow to an average of four to six inches but can be found as large as a foot in length.

The white bristles are venomous and cause a painful burning sensation

The bearded fireworm is an annelid, or segmented worm.  Both earthworms and marine worms belong to this phylum.  The phylum Annelida is characterized by repetitive body segments which separate the organism's body. More specifically, fireworms are polychaetes (bristleworms).  Organisms in the class Polychaeta are generally marine annelids that have protrusions from each body segment, called parapodia, that bare many bristles called chaetae.

With fireworms, these bristles are the main defense mechanism for the organism.  When disturbed, bearded fireworms erect their bristles which are easily detachable and penetrable.  The bristles produce an intense burning sensation around the area of contact, hence the common name of the species.

Bearded fireworms consume small and hard corals, anemones, and small crustaceans.  Their effect on corals can be substantial.  These organisms will eat the branching ends of corals leaving only white markings as evidence.  Bearded fireworms are typically found on reefs or under rocks on sandy bottoms.  They are common to Florida and other tropical regions in the Atlantic.  Even though Bearded fireworms are bottom dwelling organisms, they reproduce on the surface.  Females begin the process by emitting a greenish phosphorescent glow.  This attracts males which give a similar flash.  The gametes are then released into the water where they combine.

References: "Bearded Fireworm, Hermodice Carunculata at MarineBio.org." MarineBio.org - Marine Biology, Ocean Life Conservation, Sea Creatures, Biodiversity, Oceans Research...Web. 11 Jan. 2011. <http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=292>.; Humann, Paul, and Ned Deloach. Reef Creature: Identification : Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. Jacksonville: New World Publ, 2002. 140-43. Print.