The Fireworm
Welcome
to a website all about this magnificent biolumonecent worm
Odontosyllis phosphorea more commonly known as the
Fireworm. Check out some of O. phosphorea's ancesteral
ties on our classification
page. You can find O. phosphorea in their natural
habitat cocooned in their homes
attached to rocks in the benthic level of the ocean. Take a look
at the form and function page
to learn
how these amazing bioluminescent worms have an immune
system just like us! The O. phosphorea is widely known
for its reproductive life cycle when
it secretes bioluminescent mucus full of its gametes while it
continues to swim circles near the surface of the ocean. Find
out what O. phosphorea eat and what eat them by
clicking on our interactions
page. Finally learn about how Christopher Columbus and the
Odontosyllis phosphorea are forever linked in history when
Christopher Columbus made it to the Americas on our
facts page.
Figure 1. Photo of Odontosyllis phosphorea taken by Peter J. Bryant
Learn about other interesting organisms on the Multiple Organisms page.
Next Page: Classification