An Introduction to Life Science

Let’s take a closer look at these worms. Christmas tree worms, or Spirobranchus giganteus, are cone-shaped polychaetes, meaning they have setae in bundles. As you can see, these worms come in many different colors, including orange, yellow, blue, and white. However, they are only around an inch in diameter! The colorful “branches” of the worm are actually used for eating and breathing. This incredible species eats plankton and organic matter. They can be found burrowed into corals in tropical waters all over the world. Because they are sessile, reproduction occurs in open water. Eggs and sperm are released into the water and the eggs are fertilized. Eventually, the larvae will settle onto coral themselves and burrow to create their own tubes. Amazingly, some of these worms can live over a decade, and some up to 40 years!

 

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