Bearded Fireworm

Description:

This attractive creature, on a first glance resembling centipede, is a very common marine bristleworm, common dweller of rocky and algae covered reefs of Dubrovnik riviera. All individuals I observed that day were between 15 and 20cm long and crawling (and probably hunting) among algae. At a first glance, these fireworms resemble centipedes: their bodies are flattened, grey-greenish in colour and segmented. Each segment carries orange clusters of stinging white bristles (which stings hard if broken). Each segment also sports red or orange gills and a pair of parapodia, a structure for locomotion.

Habitat:

As mentioned above, the Bearded Fireworm is very common coral and rocky-reefs dweller in Adriatic sea (and Mediterranean too), and I see them every summer on algae covered reefs close to the shores. Here seen on 8-9m of depth, close to rocky beaches of Dubrovnik.

Notes:

Attention, in spite of its inoffensive looks, the Bearded fireworm stings! and its sting can lead to nausea and dizziness. Normally, this fireworm is not considered a threat but need to be treated with respect and attention - its' bristles, if touched and broken, can penetrate the skin and produce an intense irritation and a painful burning sensation around the area of contact. The sting, as mentioned above, can also lead to nausea and dizziness and may need a medical treatment.