Christmas Tree Worms And Coral

Feeding behavior ecology christmas tree worms spirobranchus giganteus are polychaete ciliary feeders that feed using their radioles the hair like appendages or feathers that circle outward from the central spine to catch phytoplankton floating by in the water.

Christmas tree worms and coral. Christmas tree worms come in a variety of bright colors. The worms use their spiral tree like appendages called radioles for both respiration and to filter food from the water. They aren t very big averaging about 1 5 inches in length.

As sedentary inhabitants of coral reefs christmas tree worms feed primarily by filter feeding. Giganteus is no exception. Fun facts about christmas tree worms.

Up to two thirds of the worm is anchored in the coral when its plumes are visible. They are found throughout the tropical oceans including the caribbean and the indo pacific. Christmas tree worms spirobranchus giganteus are found on coral reefs in tropical waters worldwide.

They use their brightly colored radioles to filter microorganisms from the water which are then deposited straight into the worm s digestive tract. Few organisms are known to feed on tube borne polychaetes and s. Christmas tree worms average only about 1 5 inches in length.