Fireworm

Bearded Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata)

• Size: Up to 15 cm long

• Appearance: Brightly colored with iridescent red and white bristles along its sides, giving it a “fuzzy” look

• Habitat: Rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and wrecks

• Behavior: Slow-moving scavenger and predator, feeding on small invertebrates and coral polyps

• Notes: Its bristles can cause a painful sting if touched—divers should admire from a distance and avoid contact.

Fireworms (Hermodice carunculata) are a common and unmistakable presence in the waters surrounding Crete, frequently spotted crawling along rocky seabeds, coral formations, and underwater wrecks. Their striking appearance, marked by vibrant red and orange hues and covered with dense, bristle-like hairs, makes them hard to miss—but these bristles hide a painful secret. The white, venomous spines can deliver a sharp sting that causes irritation, burning sensations, and discomfort if accidentally touched by divers or swimmers. Despite their warning colors and defensive nature, fireworms play an important ecological role as scavengers, feeding on dead marine organisms and occasionally on live coral, helping to keep the underwater environment clean. For anyone exploring Crete’s reefs, it’s essential to admire fireworms from a safe distance and avoid direct contact to prevent unpleasant stings. Their presence is yet another reminder of the fascinating and sometimes surprising diversity that thrives beneath the waves.