Amphinomidae, also known as the fireworms, bristle worms or sea mice,^[2] are a family of marine polychaetes, many species of which bear chaetae mineralized with carbonate.^[3] The best-known amphinomids are the fireworms, which can cause great pain if their toxin-coated chaetae are touched or trodden on.^[4] Their relationship to other polychaete groups is somewhat poorly resolved.^[4]

Quick Facts Scientific classification ...

Amphinomidae Temporal range: Carboniferous – Recent[1] PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Hermodice carunculata
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Annelida
Clade:	Pleistoannelida
Subclass:	Errantia
Clade:	Aciculata
Family:	Amphinomidae

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Complanine is a quaternary ammonium salt that has been isolated from the marine fireworm Eurythoe complanata. It causes an inflammatory effect upon contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

It was previously known that handling the fireworm caused it to release a chemical that induces inflammation of the skin of marine predators and mammals (including humans). Complanine was the first compound isolated from the fireworm which causes these effects.^[5][6] It is presumed that this compound's function is to deter predators of the fireworm.

Most genera in Amphinomidae are divided into two subfamilies: Amphinominae, and Archinominae.^{[7][lower-alpha 1]}

• Ankitokazoa Alessandrello & Bracchi, 2005†
  • Ankitokazoa bezanozanoi Alessandrello & Bracchi, 2005†
• Bathynotopygos Kucheruk, 1981
  • Bathynotopygos abyssalis Kucheruk, 1981
• Pherecardites Horst, 1912
  • Pherecardites parva Horst, 1912
  • Pherecardites quinquemaculata Augener, 1927
• Sangiria Horst, 1911
  • Sangiria hystrix Horst, 1911
• Zothea Risso, 1826
  • Zothea meridionalis Risso, 1826