Christmas Corals
Christmas Tree Worms’ eponymous “crowns” evolved from the twin palps the ancient ancestors of these invertebrates used to feed themselves. They are displayed two per worm and upon close inspection are made up of dozens of feathery tentacles called radioles. These radioles can exhibit a rainbow of hues, and they really stand out visually against the worms’ favored bases like brain coral. One might say Christmas Tree Worms are the original Brain Slugs. (Image via Flickr member Adam)
We Tree Kings
Christmas Tree Worms prefer to settle on large established coral colonies thick enough to house the worm’s long, tube-like body. Once settled in, so to speak, the creatures never leave their chosen abodes. People who install large salt-water aquariums will often seek out pieces of coral pre-colonized by Christmas Tree Worms. (Image via Flickr member whitecat sg)
