Latin name | Hermodice carunculata |
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Local name | Coral-eating fireworm |
Family | Amphinomidae - Hermodice |
Origin | East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, The Mexican Golf, Indonesia |
Max length | 30 cm (11.8") |
Minimum volume | Unknown |
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Hardiness | Hardy |
Suitable for aquarium | Suitable for most aquarium |
Reef safe | Not reef safe |
Aggressiveness | Peaceful |
Recommended |
Soft coral |
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This species is venomous, but it´s toxin is rarely dangerous to humans. It can however cause considerable pain.
In case of poisoning it is vital to have as much information as possible regarding the species/poison. Have telephone numbers for the poison hotline close to the aquarium.
Since different people can have different reactions to poisons, take precautions necessary to ensure personal safety and that of the surroundings.
This poison can be dangerous if suffering from allergies.
This worm preys on soft corals and anemones but it is rare in home aquariums.
There are no reports of reproduction in aquariums.
It can be distinguished from other fireworms by the red markings above each tuft of bristles and red/silver body color.
Bristle worms are found in most aquariums.
The Eurythoe species are the most common species in home aquariums. These should be considered beneficial scavengers.
Be careful not to touch a bristle worm as the bristles can deliver a painful sting.
Always use gloves if you have bristle worms in your aquarium.
Amphinomidae - Wikipedia - (English)
Ronald L. Shimek. 2004. Marine Invertebrates (PocketExpert Guide) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Minimum volume
"Minimum volume" indicates the size of the tank needed to house this species under optimal conditions.
This is based on a medium size animal, which you want to keep for several years.
It might be possible to keep smaller specimens for a limited period in a smaller tank. A larger tank might be needed for fully-grown specimens.
Hardiness
"Hardiness" indicates how resistant this species is to disease and how well i tolerates bad conditions in general.
Some species doesn't handle transportation very well, but that doesn't mean that the species isn't hardy under the right conditions.
Suitable for aquarium
In this case, a "normal" aquarium is a reef aquarium with mixed corals or a fish only aquarium with an approximately salinity of 1.026 (sg) and a temperature close to 26°C.
Species requiring more than a 4000-liter tank are considered not suitable for home aquarium.
Special aquariums may cover tanks with low salinity, sub-tropical temperature, deep sand bed, sea grass etc.
Reef safe
Always reef safe: No sources indicate that this species will harm corals or other invertebrates.
Often reef safe: Only a few aquarists has reported problems keeping this species with corals and other invertebrates.
Reef safe with caution: This species may be a threat to some types of invertebrates.
Reef safe with luck: Most specimens will harm corals and/or other invertebrates, but you might be lucky.
Not reef safe: This species is a threat to most corals and/or other invertebrates.