Christmas Tree Worm in Fire Coral - Belize

Christmas Tree Worms open their corkscrew-like plumage to filter plankton and other microscopic nourishment
from the ocean. These worms are found sprouting from holes in coral heads like tiny Christmas trees
and are extremely sensitive to movement. They will pull their plumage back into their protective tube
in a split second if approached by a fish or diver. This is also a unique close-up look at fire coral.
The short fuzzy stubble that you can see in this photograph are the stinging cells that gave Fire Coral it's name!

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Photo ©2000 Mark M. Magner
Photos can not be used without permission.