More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Segmented Worms of Zihuatanejo
PHYLUM ANNELIDA
Eurythoe - Bristle Worm
Eurythoe (Genus)
-Segmented Worms (Phylum Annelida)
-Polychaete Worms (Class Polychaeta)
-Active Free-living Bristleworms (Subclass Errantia)
-Order Amphinomida
-Bristle Worms (Family Amphinomidae)
-Subfamily Amphinominae
-Genus Eurythoe
Eurythoe is a genus of marine bristle worms belonging to the family Amphinomidae, commonly known as fireworms. These segmented polychaete worms are elongated and somewhat flattened, with each body segment bearing paired bundles of stiff, hollow bristles (chaetae) along the sides. The bristles can easily detach and may cause a painful stinging or burning sensation if they penetrate skin, which gives rise to the common name “fireworm.” Species of Eurythoe are typically reddish, pinkish, or brownish, often with iridescent bristles and a distinct head region equipped with sensory appendages and jaws. They inhabit shallow tropical and subtropical seas, living among coral rubble, under rocks, or within reef structures. Most species are scavengers or opportunistic feeders, consuming detritus, dead organisms, and occasionally live coral or small invertebrates.
Description
• Eurythoe is a genus of marine bristle worms in the family Amphinomidae, commonly known as fireworms. They have elongated, segmented bodies with conspicuous lateral bundles of stiff, often pale bristles that can irritate skin on contact. Many species are reddish, orange, brown or mottled in colour, with prominent appendages along the sides of the body. They move across the substrate using their numerous bristles and body segments.
Range
• Eurythoe species occur in tropical and subtropical marine waters around the world. The genus is present in the coastal waters of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, where members inhabit reef and rocky-shore environments.
Habitat
• These worms are commonly found on coral reefs, beneath rocks, among rubble and within crevices in shallow marine habitats. They often hide during the day and become more active at night, crawling over rocks and reef surfaces in search of food.
Diet
• Eurythoe species are opportunistic feeders that consume a variety of organic material, including algae, detritus, small invertebrates and animal remains. Their feeding habits vary by species and habitat.