Rare 'Fireworms' Washing Ashore on Texas Beaches

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Fireworms, a venomous marine worm known for their painful sting, have been spotted washing ashore on Mustang Island, according to the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The institute issued a warning on social media, describing the fireworms, also known as bristle worms, as a potential hazard for beachgoers. 

Researcher Jace Tunnel discovered the fireworms attached to a log, noting that the species can inflict severe pain if touched. He said they are usually found on floating debris in the ocean and usually around gooseneck barnacles which is what they feed on. 

“The reason it’s called a fireworm is because when it stings you, it feels like fire,” Tunnel said.

The sting from the fireworm’s white bristles can cause intense pain for up to three hours and leave lingering marks for weeks, he said. 

The fireworms found on Mustang Island, "amphinome rostrata," are part of a family of polychaetes that thrive in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Tunnel said that the venom from these worms can also cause dizziness and disorientation. He recommends using duct tape to remove any bristles from the skin and applying vinegar or warm water to alleviate the pain.

The fireworm species discovered by Tunnel is related to the more common bearded fireworm. These worms can range from 60 to 150 segments in length and are known to survive even if cut in half, with a lifespan of up to nine years. 

The Harte Research Institute advises the public to avoid contact with these worms while enjoying the Texas coastline.

A detailed video about the fireworms can be found here.