Fireworms with toxin-loaded bristles found on Hong Kong beaches as breeding season intensifies
But ecologists urge calm, saying large number is natural during the species’ breeding season
Fireworms covered with toxin-loaded bristles have been wading into Hong Kong’s beaches in recent weeks, triggering concern among local lifeguards.
But marine ecologists urged calm, shrugging the phenomenon off as a natural occurrence, especially during the worms’ breeding season.
Commonly found in local waters, beachgoers and lifeguards have reported seeing large groups of the gangly polychaetes – bristled marine worms – near city shorelines over the past week, sending swimmers bolting back to shore.
Their sharp bristles contain toxins that can cause a burning pain when in contact with bare skin, often followed by itching, inflammation and numbness that can last days and even weeks.
No injuries have been reported so far.
The tiny, flat worms typically measure about 10cm in length and usually hide beneath rocks in the water. They can sometimes be spotted swimming with the currents.