Bearded Fireworms
By: Libee Allan
Description and Behavor
- White, hollow, and venom filled bristles on its sides.
- When disturbed it flares out its bristles so they are more exposed.
- Sheds bristles if attacked.
- Uses parapodia to swim, burrowing, and creating a feeding current.
Habitat
- Abundant on reefs.
- Beneath stones in rocky or seagrass areas.
- On some muddy bottoms.
- Found in Western and Mid-Atlantic.
Reproduction
- Asexual reproduction- by yourself.
- Sexual reproduction- with another.
- Occurs 2-5 days after a full moon.
- Bioluminescence during reproduction.
Diet
- Coral, anemones, and small crustaceans.
- Eats the tissue of cnidarians.
- Also eats squids, clam, and shrimp.
Stings
- Feels like it is burning
- Becomes red and inflamed
- Can swell up and may become dizzy