Phylum Annelida - Segamented Worms

Fireworm Found in 20 to 90 feet. Family Amphinomidae (Note all are Posionous) Green Birstle Worm - Hermodice carunculata (Pallas) The large, greenish worm is commonly found under stones or other hard objects in grass beds or on the reef. It may reach a length of nearly 10 in. (25 cm). It is easily recognized by its squarish body in cross section, greenish color, orange red gills, white bristles, and the large branched or folded caruncle (beard) on the surface of its head. It should be handled with care as the bristles are easily shed in one's hand and may cuase very painful, long lasting stings. Orange Birstle Worm - Eurythoe complanata (Pallas) This worm is similar to the greenish bristle worm but is somewhat more slender and attains a length of about 6 in. (15 cm). Its body is orange yellow; the gills tend toward a reddish color while the soft bristles along the side are whitish. The caruncle on the top of the head is nearly smooth and unbranched. This species lives mainly on the reef flat and in rocky areas under stones or old coral heads. Like its counterpart just described, the bristles may painfully sting bare hands. Red-tipped Birstle Worm - Chloeia ciridis (Schmarda) The red-tipped bristle worm attains a length of about 4 to 5 in. (10 to 13 cm) and a width across the bristles of nearly 2 on. (5 cm). It is elliptical with an irridescent body and fringed by large, separate bundles of strong, white bristles tipped or banded with bright orange or red. The caruncle is divided longitudinally into three ridges or lobes. This worm is a voracious predator and is offten caught by hook-and-line fisherman after it has engulfed bait and book whole. It occurs in somewhat deeper water than the preceding species, on open sand and mud bottoms.

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