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Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus)

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