Dangerous polychaete Bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) crawls along the Yellow tube sponge, close-up.

Bearded fireworms, Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766), are a type of bristleworm of the fireworm Family Amphinomidae. These beautiful flattened segmented worms, reaching 35.6 cm (typically 7-10 cm) in length, with groups of white bristles along each side. The bristles are hollow, venom-filled chaeta which easily penetrate flesh and then break off if this worm is handled. They produce an intense burning irritation in the area of contact, hence the common name of the species. When disturbed, the