Bearded Fireworm

Polychaete

Identification & Biology

• IdentificationA large, strikingly coloured polychaete worm with a broad, segmented body. Orange-red to brown body with tufts of bright white, bristle-like chaetae (setae) along each side. The white bristles are brittle, venomous, and break off easily on contact, causing intense irritation.
• SizeBody length up to 35 cm. Width up to 4 cm including bristles. One of the largest polychaete worms in the Mediterranean.
• Social HabitSolitary or in small groups. Active predator and scavenger found roaming the reef, especially at night. Moves with a distinctive undulating motion.
• HabitatRocky reefs, under boulders, and on mixed substrates. Found on a variety of hard and soft bottoms.
• Depth0 to 40 m. Common in the shallows to about 20 m.
• Feeds OnAnemones, small corals, other worms, dead fish, and organic detritus. An aggressive omnivore and scavenger.
• DistributionMediterranean Sea and tropical/warm temperate Atlantic. Common in Maltese waters.
• DescriptionHermodice carunculata is one animal that all Mediterranean divers should learn to recognise and avoid touching. The white bristles along its sides are hollow, venom-filled, and break off in the skin on contact, causing intense burning pain and irritation that can last for hours. The bristles are almost invisible once embedded in skin and are very difficult to remove. Despite this, the fireworm is a fascinating predator to observe from a safe distance.