Worms

Iridescent Fireworm

This species of "Bristle worm" is pretty common here in Hawaii But rarely seen. I found this guy hanging out with some friends under a rock at night. Only about two inches long, this worm is lined with hundreds of tiny toxic "bristles" or hairs that very easily break off into human skin causing sever itching and burning that can last many hours. Sometimes during spawning these can swarm in the thousands on the surface of the water at night. Me and some friends were stung by something unidentified while swimming at night, and it might have been these. another animal NOT TO TOUCH!!

 Gold Rim Flatworm

 Translucent White Flatworm

 

Wow this guy was hard to photograph! the name explains it all...Solid white and clear-transparent on the edges. I could not photograph him in the bucket because the bucket is white, but my hands didn't do much better. He is only about 1/2 inch long, but can get up to 2 inches. These are one of the more common flatworms here in Hawaii, and are only known to be found here. They are nocturnal.

Few-Eyed Flatworm

This pretty flatworm is found under rocks  in shallow intertidal zones. it can obtain sizes exceding 2 inches. It is identifyable by the brown-red speckles on a semi-translucent body.

 Feather Duster Worm

These cool looking worms are a bit difficult to photograph due to their shy nature. Like many marine worms, these guys are attached to the substrate they live in and cannot be easily removed. At night the worm extends it showy crown into open waters to filter feed. If the worm senses a shadow or vibrations in the water it retreats instantly back into its tube. The crown features hair-like cilia that pass captured particles of food down to the worms mouth. If a particle is too large to consume, the worm will cover it with mucus and use it as a "brick" to extend its tube. They are very pretty, and fascinating to watch, IF you can trick them into thinking you are not there!