Spirobranchus spp. (+Rock) (Australia)

Spirobranchus spp. (Christmas Tree Worms) are small, colorful, tube-dwelling polychaetes known for their bright, spiral “Christmas tree” crowns. These feathery spirals are used for filter feeding and respiration, and they come in many colors (blue, orange, yellow, red, and white).

They live permanently in hard calcareous tubes, usually embedded in coral skeletons or attached to rocks. The worm will quickly retract into its tube when disturbed.

They require stable, clean, reef-quality water and moderate flow. They are peaceful, harmless filter feeders that add striking visual interest to reef tanks. They can benefit from occasional powder feeding or fine plankton.