Category: Segmented Worms view all from this category

Description 6" (15 cm) long, 1/4" (6 mm) wide. Moderately long, flattened. Orange-yellow, with tufts of red gills on upper surfaces of paired appendages, and abundant white bristles on sides. Head with 5 short tentacles; 2 pairs of eyes; smooth, elongate, oval pad from back of head to 4th segment.

Warning Highly toxic. This annelid merits the name "fire worm." If touched, it inflicts painful stings with bristles that pierce the skin, break off, and release a toxin. The pain and itching may last several days.

Habitat On the reef flat under rocks and old coral heads; from near low-tide line to water 50' (15 m) deep.

Range Florida, and throughout the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico.