Florida Keys Scuba Diving with Sail Fish Scuba

Diving Key Largo, Florida Keys

Bearded Fireworm Diving Hazard

While scuba diving Key Largo at All Dive Sites divers get to see fuzzy Bearded Fireworms.

Have you ever been swimming along and seen what looks like little fuzzy little caterpillars all along the hard and soft corals?
Turns out those are hazardous critters.

What may look like a fuzzy little caterpillar is actually a stinging fireworm.

You’ve seen fire coral and jellyfish, but have you seen another stinging organism called fireworms? Chances are you’ve been around them and never knew!

Feeding

Fireworms are voracious predators that feed on soft and hard corals, anemones, and small crustaceans. They engulf the last few centimeters of the tip of a branching coral and remove the coral tissue right from the skeleton.

Coral Killer Facts About Fireworms

They typically spend 5-10 minutes at each branch tip, visiting several, and the “skinned” branches are apparent by their white ends.
This does kill the living coral.

Stinging

These beautiful flattened segmented worms have groups of white bristles along each side.
The bristles are hollow and venom-filled.
These can easily penetrate flesh and then break off if this worm is handled by a careless snorkeler or diver.
They produce an intense burning irritation in the area of contact, hence the common name of the species.
If you disturb them the worm flares out the bristles so they are more exposed.

They range in size from under 1 inch to up to 6.5 inches in length.
Because of their distinctive shape and color, these worms are easily spotted if you know what you are looking for.

Where to go for Lunch/Dinner after your tour:

Check out these coupons for local restaurants. Show the virtual coupon upon your arrival at each restaurant to get the great discounts. If you visit any other restaurant in Key Largo, show them these coupons & ask if they will match it for you and suggest to them to contact Jen Kerr owner of Sail Fish Scuba to have their restaurant added to this great tourist savings page for FREE! – https://sailfishscuba.com/key-largo-information/coupons/