Christmas Tree Worm 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. It lives on tropical coral reefs and resembles a fluffy fir tree.
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. Up to two thirds of the worm is anchored in the coral when its plumes are visible.
They aren t very big averaging about 1 5 inches in length.
They aren t very big averaging about 1 5 inches in length. Their commensal relationship with these worms are one of many partnerships we see in marine life and it is truly another marvel of the ocean. As sedentary inhabitants of coral reefs christmas tree worms feed primarily by filter feeding. They aren t very big averaging about 1 5 inches in length.
