pl23_sanc0491.jpg
![Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) sanc0491.jpg Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3-east-testmedia-noaa.woc.noaa.gov/dam/Photos/legacy/pl23_sanc0491.jpg)
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.
Photographer
G. P. Schmahl
Display Date
2006 July 31
Location
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Collection
Sanctuaries
Flower Garden Banks NMS
NOAA Affiliation
NOAA FGBNMS Manager
Keywords
Sanctuary