Studies of little-known marine species championed in Hong Kong

In summer 2018, a sudden surge in fireworms — creatures with toxin-laden bristles — was reported on local shorelines. Large groups of tiny flatworms, typically about 10 cm long, were seen swimming with the current.

This unusual sight prompted Qiu to recall sightings of fireworms in 2012 and 2017. His team had gathered samples from the sandy floor of a coral community off Sharp Island, Sai Kung, but these samples had yet to be studied.

Qiu next led a 10-member team to collect specimens from beaches in Tsuen Wan and the subtidal waters of Tolo Harbour, where large swarms of fireworms were seen, before starting to study the creatures.

The studies showed the fireworms belonged to two species. One of which was previously unknown was named by Qiu as Chloeia bimaculata.

A second species, also found during the surge, was successfully identified by the team as Chloeia parva, which had spread widely in the South China Sea.

Although the reason for the surge remained unknown, Qiu speculated that it may have been related to climate change.