Bearded Fire Worm - Hermodice carunculata - Looking out

Bearded Fire Worm - Hermodice carunculata - Looking out

Polychaete worm with a long cylindrical body divided into numerous segments (over a 100). The branchia and bristles are distributed evenly along the sides of the body. If touched it erects slim white bristles which have a powerful sting. Greenish in color with red and white tones. Found on rocky and detritus bottoms at depths of 1 – 2 meters to over 20. Maximum size 35 centimeters.