Fact of the Day: Christmas Tree Worm - Oceana USA
Home / Blog / Fact of the Day: Christmas Tree Worm

July 28, 2010

Fact of the Day: Christmas Tree Worm

BY: MollyH

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The subject of today’s FOTD is the Christmas tree worm, or spirobranchus giganteus for those of you who prefer the scientific name. 

Christmas tree worms are embedded in the surface of corals by the calcareous, shell-like tubes in which they live.  They have two beautiful, feathery spirals (which look like little Christmas trees) that extend into the water column and are used for filter-feeding and breathing. At the slightest disturbance, the Christmas tree worm retracts into its tube in the coral for safety. 

My favorite thing about these worms is their variety of vibrant colors and patterns- check it out!

See you tomorrow for another random FOTD! And if you’re like me and you just can’t wait for more, go to Oceana.org/Explore.   

MOST RECENT

Up Next:

FEATURED CAMPAIGN

Plastic Pollution

Oceana campaigns to stop plastic pollution at the source — by working to pass local, state, and national policies that reduce the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastic and move toward refill and reuse systems.

Learn More

CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS

Ending the Shark Fin Trade

Protecting Ocean Habitats

Responsible Fishing

View All

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A DONATION

We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.

Donate Here

Become a Wavemaker

Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana.

Gift Center
Employment Opportunities
Contact
Financials
Privacy Policy

REGIONAL SITES :

International
Europe
Chile
Canada
Belize
Philippines
Brazil
Peru
Mexico

FIND OCEANA

TWEET TO SHARE OUR MESSAGE

Twitter