Spirobranchus corniculatus (Grube, 1862)
40mm

How can one possibly select just a few specimens to display of what is commonly called a Christmas Tree worm? These very common worms come in a seemingly infinite variety of colors and patterns. They live in tubes embedded typically in species of Porites corals. A bit sensitive to disturbance, they will often retract when approached, covering their hole with an operculum bearing a couple of small pointed projections. The edge of the hole itself is also armored with a fairly long, sharp spike. But given a minute or so, a retracted worm will usually push back out, displaying its colorful feeding crown. This species was long considered and is usually seen figured as Spirobranchus giganteus, which is a similar looking but different Caribbean species. Many photos below.

Created 5 February 2019

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