Fireworm vs. Bristle

[gordonzoo]

With the rock handling, rashes and slight numbing I finally saw a couple of the buggers. I looked through the posts and I'm not quite sure if they are Fire or Bristle and still don't know the difference. I tried to suck them into my turkey baste but they scampered into the rock as soon as danger came. The bristles were only at its sides and not fully encompassing it.

 

[NanoReefer]

I think bristle worms have an alternateing pattern of orange and black(more like charcoal but faint under the skin). Fire worms are more of a bright red or solid color. like this:

Fireworm:

Bristle worm:

see the orange/dark/orange pattern on the bristle worm

There are other differences but someone else will have to get into the latin naming species stuff.

Edit: I try to encourage the bristle worms they are awesome detrivores. Don't know about fire worms tho!?