Bearded fireworm shocks Texas angler: Fishing trip turns up venomous sea creature

Credit: Pen News/Alyssa Ramirez STOMACH-churning video shows the moment a mystified angler confronts a freaky sea creature whose sting can cause hours of agonising pain. Alyssa Ramirez, who landed the bizarre beast while fishing with her mother, initially thought she had pulled up a piece of seaweed when she reeled in her catch. But then she saw it squirming. “When I didn’t feel any bites I assumed the fish had taken my bait – squid – and I reeled in my line to rebait the hook,” she said. “At first glance I thought I snagged some seaweed. Then I laughed because that was definitely not a fish, nor seaweed. “It was like an oversized earthworm ready for combat.” After pulling up her line, Ms Ramirez filmed the creature squirming on the pier in Port Isabel, in the US state of Texas. In her footage, the creature’s dangerous bristles fan in and out as its red and white body writhes. “It had the movement of a worm but with prickly spikes with red tips,” she said. “I was extremely curious about it – I’m a marine life enthusiast – so I decided to record it and snap a few pictures, and send them to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,” she continued. They identified her enigmatic catch as a bearded fireworm – and Ms Ramirez should count herself lucky that she didn’t touch it. It carries a powerful neurotoxin, delivered through bristles that are capable of penetrating human skin. The resulting wound is said to feel like its on fire, with the pain lasting for hours, and sometimes causing nausea and dizziness. It usually only comes into contact with humans when touched by a careless swimmer. “That bearded fireworm was not messing around,” the angler added. “I’ve never seen anything like this before, the only thing close to it might be a sand eel I’ve caught before – they are much bigger but are not dangerous.” Ms Ramirez, 30, hopes that by sharing her encounter she will encourage others to take an interest in the natural world. “I hope this brings curiosity for those who love and enjoy adventures like myself,” she said. “I would like for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. “Spend a little time outside and witness the natural beauty – you just might discover something fascinating!” To licence video or copy contact editor@