Bristle worm spines cause intense, itchy pain for about three hours if punctured.
A scary creature has washed up on Texan shores: the bristle worm, also known as the fireworm, equipped with venomous spikes. These marine creatures have been found on logs covered in gooseneck barnacles, where experts believe they may have been feeding.
Subsequently, the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies has issued a warning to beachgoers this summer because these creatures can inflict painful stings.
At first glance, they may resemble algae or an inanimate object, perhaps even harmless. However, they are very much alive, resembling a creature with protective spines along their elongated bodies. They sting predators with neurotoxins, causing significant pain to their unfortunate victims, hence the name “fireworm.”
If pricked, their spikes cause a fair amount of discomfort under the skin. Victims can experience intense, itchy pain for approximately three hours. The Harte Institute elaborated in a Facebook post that the sensitivity can persist for weeks, depending on the sting site.
Authorities have issued warnings about these unsettling worms appearing and potentially inhabiting the sandy beaches of Texas. Beachgoers are advised to remain vigilant, according to Fox News.
“WARNING!!! Your worst nightmares are washing up right now in the form of bearded fireworms!” they stated.
Bristle worms, also known as marine polychaetes, are native to the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Authorities are cautioning those planning to visit these beaches this summer, especially in Texas, where bristle worms were recently found on two beaches, as per CBS. And it’s not the only terrifying worm that people have seen this summer; a bloodworm was even found in California.
The fossil record reveals that worms have existed for over 514 million years, predating dinosaurs.
Most bristle worms measure between one to six inches, though they can grow up to 24 inches. Nocturnal by nature, these elusive creatures are typically hidden from view, living under rocks. However, sightings on Texan shores indicate a recent emergence.
Even in tanks, they tend to only come out at night. Fireworms are one subset of this family of over 10,000 species, with poisonous spikes all over their bodies.
They prey, according to the NY Post, on anemones, corals, barnacles, and other crustaceans. They have no immediate interest in humans, but accidents happen, and they are toxic.
In the event of contact with a bristle worm, the National Park Service advises using tweezers or adhesive tape to remove embedded spikes and recommends treating the area with ammonia to disinfect.
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Maria Mocerino Originally from LA, Maria Mocerino has been published in Business Insider, The Irish Examiner, The Rogue Mag, Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, and now Interesting Engineering.
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