''Spirobranchus corniculatus'', commonly referred to as the Indo-Pacific Christmas tree worm, is a species of tube-building annelid fanworms in the family
Serpulidae
The Serpulidae are a family of sessile, tube-building annelid worms in the class Polychaeta. The members of this family differ from other sabellid tube worms in that they have a specialized operculum that blocks the entrance of their tubes w ...
. Belonging to the class
Polychaeta, it is recognized for its bristle-like tentacles and the presence of a structure called radioles. It is widely encountered and recognized for its unique resemblance to a conifer and its diverse array of colors. Initially presumed to be part of a species group including ''
Spirobranchus cruciger'' and ''
Spirobranchus gaymardi'', it has been determined to be a singular, morphologically adaptable species inhabiting the Central Indo-Pacific region.
Description
The Christmas tree worm is very vibrant in color and changes its color based on depth, camouflage, and a scare tactic.
It has bright spiral rings around its body segments or radioles, which can number more than 200 segments.
The body is abnormally large, ranging up to long and wide.
Biology
The species predominantly engages in reproduction throughout its lifespan. Males use their coloration to attract females.
During mating, females emit a pheromone that signals males to release sperm. In turn, females release eggs; this action is called spawning.
Larvae are characterized by an elongated body.
The species also uses its color to make predators second guess their meal. The species primarily consumes suspended food particles, phytoplankton, and microalgae.
Distribution and habitat
''Spirobranchus corniculatus'' can be found in the tropical Indo-Pacific, specifically in corals such as ''
Porites lobata
''Porites lobata'', known by the common name lobe coral, is a species of stony coral in the family Poritidae. It is found growing on coral reefs in tropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Description
''Porites lobata'' is a hermatypic ...
'', which are typically found in Hawaiian waters.
The Christmas tree worm inhabits depths of
and can also be found living on almost every species of coral.
It is mostly encountered in the eastern side of the globe, spanning Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, the central Pacific, and the northern region of Australia.
Gallery
Spirobranchus_corniculatus.jpg
Gusano árbol de Navidad (Spirobranchus corniculatus), Los Cabos, Baja California, México, 2024-12-17, DD 23.jpg
Gusano árbol de Navidad (Spirobranchus corniculatus), Anilao, Filipinas, 2023-08-22, DD 72.jpg
References
Further reading
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Serpulidae
Animals described in 1862
Annelids of the Pacific Ocean
Taxa named by Adolph Eduard Grube
{{Annelid-stub