Bearded Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata)
Image Copyright Teerasak Thomas Suamcheepmasau
Observed: Koh Chang, December 2015
Observed By: Teerasak Thomas Suamcheepmasau
The bearded fireworm is a strange marine creature that looks like a centipede on first glance (especially when seen on land like this specimen).
You will usually see them underwater, they are actually a tyle of marine bristleworm growing up to a maximum of 30cm in length.
The creature moves slowly but you should take great care not to accidentally touch it since its bristles contain a powerful neurotoxin that causes burning and intense irrtation as well as occasionally nausea and vomiting.
Image Copyright Teerasak Thomas Suamcheepmasau
Image Copyright Teerasak Thomas Suamcheepmasau
