Christmas Tree Worm

About the Christmas Tree Worm

They burrow into coral and extend two spiral crowns that look like miniature Christmas trees. These crowns are gills used for both breathing and feeding. They can retract into their tube in 0.07 seconds when sensing a shadow. They come in every color imaginable. They do not move from their coral home as adults. Over 400 species of sabellid worms exist. They are found on reefs worldwide. They are hermaphroditic but cannot self-fertilize. They live 10-20 years. They are popular with divers and photographers. Their tubes can be 30 cm long within the coral. They are among the most recognizable reef invertebrates.