Christmas Tree Worm

Spirobranchus spinosus

Christmas Tree Worm

The Christmas tree worm anchors in a tube bored into rock from the intertidal down to about 12 metres, showing only its twin spiral crowns. Those colourful plumes, a few centimetres tall, gather plankton and breathe, and snap out of sight at the first shadow.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Annelida › Polychaeta › Sabellida › Serpulidae › Spirobranchus

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 334836.

FAQ

How deep does the Christmas Tree Worm live?
The Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus spinosus) is typically found at 0–12 m.
How big does the Christmas Tree Worm get?
The Christmas Tree Worm grows to about 2.5 cm.