Researchers are warning US beachgoers to stay clear of fireworms, which have a sting ‘like fire’, after finding them on beaches in Texas.
The Harte Research Institute (HRI) for Gulf of Mexico Studies recently located fireworms on Mustang Island and Padre Island.
They have been described by the institute’s Direct of Community Engagement, Jace Tunnell, as “your worst nightmare”.
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Speaking in a video posted to Facebook, he said that it was his first time seeing one in “three or four years”.
Beachcombing - FirewormsAre these fireworms dangerous? Watch this and tell us what you think. Some of the gnarliest looking creatures in the ocean are polychaete worms, including this fireworm. This fireworm, Amphinome rostrata, is part of a family of polychaetes in the Amphinomidae family that are found on floating debris in the ocean and usually around gooseneck barnacles which is what they feed on. Watch this episode of Beachcombing with Jace Tunnell to see this amazing worm up close.
Posted by Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies on Monday 19 August 2024
While showing the creature to the camera, he added, “The reason it’s called a fireworm is because when it stings you, it feels like fire”.
“You really have to be careful with these things,” he said.
Fireworms, also referred to as ‘bristleworms’ or ‘bearded worms’ are found worldwide, with some species found in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
Typically seen feeding on gooseneck barnacles, they can also be found on floating debris in the ocean.
They are covered in white ‘bristles’ which contain venom and are extremely painful to the human touch – Mr Tunnell said that their pain can be “debilitating”, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Fireworms look closer to a caterpillar than a worm and are usually between two and four inches long but can grow anywhere up to ten inches in total.
Mr Tunnell said that while the worms can cause pain which lasts for a few hours, they are not deadly.
“As far as I know, they can’t kill you, which is the good news I guess,” he said.
In the event of being stung by a fireworm, he recommended pouring vinegar and warm water on the affected area.
Sticking some tape to the area and ripping it off can also help, as bristles can sometimes get lodged in the skin.
