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.