Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus)

Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus). The feathery “branches of the spiral “trees” serve as both feeding organisms for collecting food and respiratory organs. The remainder of the worm lives in a hole commonly bored into massive coral heads in which it secretes a calcareous tube for additional protection.

Photo Category: Sanctuary
Photo Location: Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Photo Date: 2006 July 31