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![Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) sanc0491.jpg Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus)](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/https/s3.amazonaws.com/s3-east-testmedia-noaa.woc.noaa.gov/dam/Photos/legacy/pl23_sanc0491.jpg?itok=bVwlAPKh)
Description
Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus). The feathery branches of thespiral trees serve as both feeding organisms for collecting food andrespiratory organs. The remainder of the worm lives in a hole commonlybored into massive coral heads in which it secretes a calcareous tube foradditional protection. (Image credit: G. P. Schmahl)