This is Spirobranchus giganteus or Christmas tree worm
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You are looking at that bright blue thing attached to the lobe coral. What is it? That is a Christmas Tree Worm, Spirobranchus giganteus, or Kio (in Hawaiian).
These worms can be a variety of colors. This one is blue, but they can be orange, yellow, or white as well.
The worm has 2 spiral shaped fans of tentacles that it uses to capture it’s food from the water. It’s spirals resemble a small tree shape. They will create a rigid tube, made of calcium carbonate, in the coral, kind of like tree roots. When it feels threatened, the worm will withdraw inside and seal it’s tube. They can sense the water movement.
The Christmas Tree Worm resides on coral. The coral and the worm have a mutualistic symbiosis relationship. it has been proven that they can help to protect the coral. They help protect from the crown of thorn sea stars which can devastate coral. These brightly colored worms help prevent algae overgrowth as well as aid in the recovery of coral after bleaching events. In turn, the coral provides a habitat and help facilitate their feeding habit.
These worms can live up to 40 years. However, they typically reach ages of 10-20 years. Once they choose their home, they remain in that spot for the duration of their life.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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