Hermodice carunculata, the bearded fireworm, is a type of marine bristleworm belonging to the Amphinomidae family, native to the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Bearded fireworms are usually 15 centimetres in average length, but can reach up to 30 centimetres. The bearded fireworm is a slow creature, and is not considered a threat to humans unless touched by careless swimmers. The bristles, when flared, can penetrate human skin, injecting a powerful neurotoxin and producing intense irritation and a painful burning sensation around the area of contact.

During an underwater dive in a submerged reef completely colonized by gorgonians of Paramuricea clavata, I came across Filograna implexa. I was at a depth of between 61 and 65 meters. ...