#christmas tree worm

Christmas Tree polychaete on Porites coral at Orpheus Island, Queensland.

Photographer: Melanie Wood

noaasanctuaries:

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree…worms?

Christmas tree worms like these in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary burrow into coral, but leave two tree-like crowns protruding. These crowns are used for respiration and to catch a nice holiday dinner, in the form of microscopic phytoplankton.

Worm wishes this holiday season from your National Marine Sanctuary System!

(Photos: Steve Miller)

I think this is such a neat looking creature!