2017-12-24 Fact of the Season - Christmas tree worms

[Mark Shelly]

Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) are a medium sized spiral fan worm. Each worm has 2 brightly colored crowns of radioles, feather like projections off the central spine. These are polychraete worms. Unlike the fan worm in my tank, these worms can plug their holes when they retreat. Look for this feature in the videos. Note that some lids look like they have coral growing on them. These are usually found in large Potites or Brain Corals. They can be found in the Pacific as well as the Caribbean. These worm bore holes into existing corals.
Here is a colorful example

And another

And another cluster.

Here is a close up.

Here is another close up.





christmas tree worms - Bing video

christmas tree worms - Bing video

christmas tree worms - Bing video

 

[Edwardw771]

That was the first thing I put in my tank 14 years ago. Love those things.

 

[Mark Shelly]

That was the first thing I put in my tank 14 years ago. Love those things.

Do you have any photos? How hard were they to keep? Does the tank have to geared for SPS with bright lights for the coral they grow on? Do you know if these worms have to have coral around them?

 

[Jeremy Brito]

If someone can tell me,where I can buy them I have been trying to find them for ever now

 

[Trio91]

I saw them on display at oceans gallery 2...but they weren't for sale

 

[Edwardw771]

I saw them on display at oceans gallery 2...but they weren't for sale

This is where I got mine back in the day. Out of stock now.

Saltwater Aquarium Inverts for Marine Reef Aquariums: Christmas Tree Worm on Rock, Multicolor

 

[Mark Shelly]

I saw 2 corals for sale at Major League Exotic pets in Jackson today at abt $50. I saw red and mostly blue worms.
Here is a photo. @Jeremy Brito