Description

• Spirobranchus is a genus of marine segmented worms in the family Serpulidae, commonly known as Christmas tree worms. They have small, tube-dwelling bodies and two prominent, spiralling crowns of colourful, feathery tentacles that resemble miniature evergreen trees. The crowns are used for filter-feeding and respiration and can be rapidly withdrawn into a hard, calcareous tube when disturbed. Many species live permanently embedded in coral skeletons.

Range

• Spirobranchus species occur in tropical and subtropical marine waters around the world. The genus is present in the coastal waters of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, where members are associated with coral reefs and other submerged hard surfaces.

Habitat

• These worms are commonly found on coral reefs, living in calcareous tubes embedded in living or dead coral. Other species inhabit shells, rocks and artificial marine structures. They attach firmly to the substrate and extend their colourful tentacle crowns into the water, often remaining in the same location throughout their lives.

Diet

• Spirobranchus species are suspension feeders that capture microscopic plankton, bacteria and fine organic particles from the water using their feathery tentacles. Cilia transport food particles towards the mouth, while unwanted material is sorted and rejected.