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Merry Christmas Tree Worm

December 25, 2016

Christmas tree worms, named for their resemblance to decorated holiday trees, are tiny, segmented worms that grow slowly and live up to four decades in a single location once they have established themselves. The branches of the “tree” are actually the worm’s radioles—tentacles that the tiny animal uses for feeding and respiration that it retracts quickly when it senses danger. Unlike real Christmas trees, which grow in cooler climates, these worms prefer tropical coral reefs. Wherever you find yourself this holiday, we at WHOI wish you a very Merry Christmas. (Photo by Kristen Whalen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)