Fireworm

Eurythoe complanata

Guardian: Paula Douglas

Fireworms are ferocious predators. They hunt other worms and small animals and capture them with strong jaws that can be extended and retracted into their throats. Some of these worms can burrow under the sand and grab prey from above and pull them down to devour (like in the movie Blood Beach) Their bristles are made of calcium carbonate or silica, can easily penetrate bare skin and are brittle and contain poisons. Some can also inject poison with their jaws.