Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Spirobranchus giganteus
- Common name
- Christmas tree worm
- Category
- Worms
- Family
- Serpulidae
- Genus
- Spirobranchus
- Size
- 2–5 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Spirobranchus giganteus reaches 5 cm (crown 2 cm). Small serpulid polychaete worm (Serpulidae) circumtropical with body hidden in calcareous tube embedded in living coral, projecting two radiole crowns in tightly coiled spiral forming two cones evoking small Christmas trees, highly variable colors (yellow, orange, red, blue, purple, white, brown). Lives from 1 to 30 m on Porites, Acropora and other massive corals of tropical coral reefs. Retracts at lightning speed into tube with operculum. Iconic macro dive photo subject, emblematic species of tropical reefs.
Photo of Christmas tree worm
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Christmas tree worm?
- Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus) reaches 2–5 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Christmas tree worm?
- Christmas tree worm is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Christmas tree worm dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Christmas tree worm?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Christmas tree worm?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Spirobranchus
Other species in the family Serpulidae
- Filograna implexa - Filigree tubeworm
- Protula tubularia - Pink fanworm
- Salmacina dysteri - Cluster tubeworm
- Serpula vermicularis - Calcareous tubeworm
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 209944)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5199648)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia