Bearded Fireworm - Hermodice carunculata

These photos were taken when diving in Paphos, Cyprus, where Bearded Fireworms are extremely common.

Name: Bearded Fireworm  (Hermodice carunculata)

Order: Ariculata

Family: Amphinomidae

Behaviour

When disturbed, the fireworms puff out their poisonous hairs to protect themselves.  The hairs are actually brittle, hollow spines that can pierce skin and become lodged there.  This produces a burning sensation and irritation.

Distribution

Bearded fireworms are found in the Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean and Atlantic.

Peacock Worm - Sabella pavonina

 At first sight these little animals look like plants, but they are in fact worms.

The worm lives inside the tube formed from mud, sand particles and mucus.  Protruding tentacles extend outwards and filter feed on passing particles.  When disturbed the tentacles quickly retract into the tube.