Scientifically that are called spirobranchus giganteus , only they are ameliorate known past times their colloquial cite — Christmas tree worm. The worm is as well as hence called non because they feed on fig trees only because they hold off similar them.
The spirobranchus giganteus alive inwards the sea as well as sports 2 magnificent spirals of plumes that protrude from its tube-like trunk as well as which hold off similar tiny Christmas trees. These plumes are composed of hair-like appendages called radioles that radiate from the worm’s fundamental spine , as well as aid the brute to grab nutrient , which typically consists of microscopic plants , or phytoplankton , floating inwards the water. The plumes are every bit good used for respiration. Measuring less than four cm inwards acme , they come upward inwards many colors including orangish , yellowish , bluish , as well as white as well as , are easily spotted due to their sort , beauty , as well as color.
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The Christmas tree worm doesn’t similar to movement most much. Once they honor a skillful house on a alive calcareous coral , they burrow a hole as well as alive their for the balance of their lives , occasionally emerging from their habitation to grab passing plankton amongst their fully extended plumes. They are really sensitive to disturbances as well as volition chop-chop retract into their burrows at the slightest affect or passing shadow.
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Photo credit: Doug Finney/Flickr
Sources: NOAA / Marine Bio via My Modern Met