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Hawaiian Worms
FEBRUARY 2007
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 Pherecardia striata, 3-10 in (8-25 cm)
Hairy Cord
Photograph by Darlyne A. Murawski
Spawning on a summer night, fire worms emit clouds of eggs and sperm at high tide—a performance triggered by the full moon. Harpoon-like bristles filled with a neurotoxin protect the worms, which inhabit shallow reefs and feed on crustaceans and anemones. Hawaiians call the worm 'aha huluhulu, "hairy cord."
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