Monday, November 29, 2010

Christmas Trees in the Sea


This is one of my favouite sea beings... and I can't believe I haven't written about them before!

You can see for yourselves where these colourful, bushy-tailed segmented worms (polychaetes) get their name!



These aptly-named Christmas Tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) burrow into massive coral heads to make their home.  They expose only their fluffy tail, which they use to filter-feed as the current brings plankton and other goodies their way.


This featherduster worm is a close, less-colourful, relative!



I am looking forward to seeing another kind of Christmas Tree in the not-so-distant future!

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