Green bristle worm
Hermodice carunculata
(Pallas, 1776)

Description:
In cross section, the body of this large worm is squarish. The body is greenish, and the gills orange-red. White tufts of bristles along the sides, and a large, branched beard-like structure (caruncle) on the surface of the head.
Size: up to 25 cm, mostly up to 15 cm.

Habitat:
It lives under stones or other loose material or in recesses, on and around the reefs or grass beds.
Depth: ranges from 0 m down to 40 m.

Distribution:
Common all over the Caribbean.

Remarks:
The name Fireworm comes from the painful stings and wounds the bristles can produce when the animal is touched.

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Annelida
Class Polychaeta
Genus Hermodice
Species Hermodice carunculata

Status in World Register of Marine Species

Accepted name: Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766)

Scientific synonyms and common names

Green bristle worm [English]
Bearded fireworm [English]

Humann, P., 1992. Reef Creature Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas, (ed. N. Deloach). New World Publications, Inc., Paramount Miller Graphics, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida.

Voss, G.L., 1976. Seashore life of Florida and the Carribbean. Banyan Books, Inc. Miami, Florida.

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