Ferris suffered a bite while diving. The bite area is pale, hot, swollen, and itchy. What was he most likely bitten by?

The symptoms described—pale, hot, swollen, and itchy—align with a bristleworm sting. Bristleworms are known for their bristles, which can inject toxins when they come into contact with skin, causing irritation and an inflammatory response. The variety of symptoms that Ferris is experiencing typically indicates a reaction to a venomous bite or sting from a marine organism, particularly a bristleworm, which can lead to localized swelling and redness.

In contrast, a sea urchin sting might cause intense pain and swelling localized around the puncture site, but the symptoms may not include a pale appearance or the itchy response typically associated with bristleworm stings. An octopus bite could lead to more severe systemic symptoms due to the potent venom, but it wouldn't typically present with just localized itching. Coral contact often results in irritation and rashes but is generally characterized by redness and itching rather than the heat and swelling described.