Christmas Tree Worms

Here are some images of Christmas Tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus), just in time for the holidays:

Image Source: Ryan Photographic

Image Source: Ryan Photographic

Image Source: Ryan Photographic

These are tube-dwelling worms that live in coral reefs and use their spiral plumes for feeding and respiration.

Happy holidays!

Sources:
MarineBio
Images: Ryan Photographic

More like this

Having spent time scuba diving in the past these worms are one of the highlights of the reef. In addition if you push water near them, they will retract their gills.

The feeding/breathing capabilities of the christmas tree structures should lead to many interesting studies!