Fireworm Removal

Fireworms are a form of parasitic aquatic worm, known scientifically as Hermodice carunculata, of the species Polychaeta. The fireworm is often introduced into an aquarium by accident in sand or within a live rock. The bristles that cover the body of the fireworm contain a venom that causes irritation to the skin of humans.

  1. Fireworm

    • The fireworm is colored red or orange, with its name coming from both its coloring and the fact that the white bristles that cover its body can become embedded in human skin and emit a venom causing irritation and pain. The natural habitat of the fireworm is in the tropical regions of the western Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Fireworms feed on bacteria and animals on natural and artificial reef systems, surviving in sand, rocks and in some mud bottoms of reefs.

    Removal

    • The venom emitted from the bristles of the fireworm make it difficult to remove fireworm without causing injury to the individual removing the worm. Options for removal include the use of a trap. Commercial traps are available, or a homemade trap can be constructed from items such as a soda bottle or nylon stockings. The most common way of removing a fireworm is to use tweezers or a siphon tube to carefully lift the fireworm out of the reef for disposal. To ensure the fireworm is completely removed, the head of the worm must be taken from the aquatic environment, because the fireworm can in some cases regenerate a body when the head remains in the water. Predators such as the arrow crab can also be introduced into the habitat to assist in the removal of fireworms.

    Chemicals

    • Chemicals such as copper sulfate, bleach, fresh water dip and carbonated water dip can be used to kill fireworms or other forms of worms that may infest an artificial reef. Problems can occur from the use of chemicals, such as the destruction of wanted bacteria and species that live in the artificial reef.

    Injury

    • When a fireworm comes into contact with a perceived predator, the worm causes irritation to the skin of the predator through venom in its bristles. When embedded in the skin of a human, the fireworm bristles can be removed using tweezers, and unseen bristles can be removed with adhesive tape applied to the skin. Irritation can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as hydrocortisone creams. More severe infections may require professional medical attention.