Bearded Fireworm
Hermodice carunculata
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
A segmented worm with tufts of white bristles that break off in skin and burn.
- Typical size
- Usually 4–6 in
- How often it turns up
- Uncommon
- Collecting
- Check local rules
- Handling
- Possibly venomous
This is a living animal. Photograph it and leave it where you found it, or ease it back into the water.
Don't touch. The bristles pierce skin and cause burning pain and swelling. Use tape to lift out bristles, then rinse.
How to tell it apart
- Long flattened segmented body, reddish to green
- Tufts of white bristles along each side
- Red branching gills and a fleshy lobe at the head
Where to find these in Florida
Beaches rated very good or excellent for tidepool life. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.
- Bathtub Reef Beach · Stuart
- Anne's Beach · Islamorada
- Bahia Honda State Park · Big Pine Key
- Bathtub Beach · Stuart
- Caspersen Beach · Venice
- Curry Hammock State Park · Marathon
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park · Key West
- Harry Harris Park · Tavernier
- Higgs Beach · Key West
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park · Key Largo
- Long Key State Park · Long Key
- Marineland Beach · Marineland
Found one?
Photograph it and BeachNut ranks the likely matches with a confidence read, then logs it to your collection with the beach and date.
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More tidepool life in the field guide
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