Christmas Tree Worm
Spirobranchus giganteus
Tiny tube worm with spiralled feeding crowns embedded in living coral.
Family
Serpulidae
Avg Size
2-4 cm
Habitat
The Christmas tree worm occurs from the Caribbean across to the Indo-Pacific.
Behaviour
It is usually found completely embedded in the heads of massive corals such as stony Porites and brain corals. Like others in its family, it secretes a calcareous tube, up to 20 cm long, that serves as both home and protection and is generally buried deep within the coral skeleton. The worm typically settles onto an existing head of living coral before building its tube, gaining further protection as coral tissue grows over it. When the worm withdraws, it seals the opening with an operculum guarded by sharp, antler-shaped spines.
Where & When to See It
No dive-site records found for this species yet.