Scott & Jeanette Johnson, Kwajalein Unterwater
Info
Chloeia bemisae Salazar-Vallejo, 2023
Fireworms of the genus Chloeia are segmented bristleworms, have an elliptical body shape and feed predatorily, including on coral poylps, sponges, anemones and sea squirts. They are found circumtropically. Most species live in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Only a few species are at home in the Atlantic. Fireworms are predominantly nocturnal.
Members of this genus have an elliptical body, consisting of a certain number of segments depending on the species, and with external gills on both sides of the back, each segment having a pair. Their number and distribution also depends on the species. The sides of the body are covered with "swimming paddles", sharp and poisonous whitish bristles or bristles. Adult fireworms are often colorful, especially on their backs.
Chloeia bemisae is a fireworm only described in 2023. Chloeia bemisae has been described from specimens from the Philippines and Indonesia.
The species name "bermisae" was given in honor of Amanda Bemis, collection manager at the University of Florida Natural History Museum, in recognition of her long-standing support of research activities.
Occurrence: Philippines to Indonesia, on shallow mixed soils, 3–22 m water depth.
Description: Double-pinnate branches of spine 4, increasingly smaller towards the back; back without central spots; Dorsal cirri and branchia colored/variegated; Branch stems are pale with reddish to blackish spots at the base and above in medium chaetigers, distally in some lateral branches. There are some variations in color.
Fireworms of the genus Chloeia are segmented bristleworms, have an elliptical body shape and feed predatorily, including on coral poylps, sponges, anemones and sea squirts. They are found circumtropically. Most species live in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Only a few species are at home in the Atlantic. Fireworms are predominantly nocturnal.
Members of this genus have an elliptical body, consisting of a certain number of segments depending on the species, and with external gills on both sides of the back, each segment having a pair. Their number and distribution also depends on the species. The sides of the body are covered with "swimming paddles", sharp and poisonous whitish bristles or bristles. Adult fireworms are often colorful, especially on their backs.
Chloeia bemisae is a fireworm only described in 2023. Chloeia bemisae has been described from specimens from the Philippines and Indonesia.
The species name "bermisae" was given in honor of Amanda Bemis, collection manager at the University of Florida Natural History Museum, in recognition of her long-standing support of research activities.
Occurrence: Philippines to Indonesia, on shallow mixed soils, 3–22 m water depth.
Description: Double-pinnate branches of spine 4, increasingly smaller towards the back; back without central spots; Dorsal cirri and branchia colored/variegated; Branch stems are pale with reddish to blackish spots at the base and above in medium chaetigers, distally in some lateral branches. There are some variations in color.
