Christmas Tree Worms

Here are some images of Christmas Tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus), just in time for the holidays:

Image Source: Ryan Photographic

Image Source: Ryan Photographic

Image Source: Ryan Photographic

These are tube-dwelling worms that live in coral reefs and use their spiral plumes for feeding and respiration.

Happy holidays!

Sources:
MarineBio
Images: Ryan Photographic

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The feeding/breathing capabilities of the christmas tree structures should lead to many interesting studies!