Fireworm – Polynoidae Polychaete

Scientific Fact – Marine Biology: 1. What is this creature? This isn’t a centipede or an earthworm. This is a polychaete worm, most likely a fireworm from the Amphinomidae or Polynoidae family. The visible “thorns” are called “parapodia” – modified legs for swimming. Each parapodium has hard hairs called “setae.” These hairs are hollow like needles and contain venom. 2. Why is it called a fireworm? If you touch it, the setae break and penetrate the skin, burning like broken glass and injecting venom. The sensation is like a burning sensation, with intense itching and redness. Its venom isn’t fatal to humans, but it’s very painful and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. 3. Where does it live and why is it dangerous? It lives in coral reefs and under rocks in the sea.