Description:
The red-tipped fireworm can grow to 1 foot in length.  The body is somewhat flattened, and is striped with brown and red bars.  The gills are fern-like in appearance, and are conspicuous  along the dorsal surface of each segment.  Barbed, hollow, spines are prominent along the sides and contain a toxin.  The spines are somewhat brittle and break easily when this worm is handled.  The toxin present in the spines causes a painful burning when contacted. 

Habitat:
Red-tipped fireworms are most commonly found on coral reefs and on rocks in hardbottom habitats. 

Range:
The red-tipped fireworm ranges from Florida through the Caribbean.