Meet Christmas Tree Worms: Colourful Marine Creatures
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
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Christmas tree worms are marine worms that live in tropical coral reefs and are named for their festive appearance
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They are known for their distinctive appearance with two brightly coloured, spiral "crowns" that resemble a Christmas tree, protruding from a tube-like body
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Christmas tree worms are small invertebrates that make burrows inside corals where they can safely hide from predators
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They typically measure less than 4cm in total and up to two thirds of their bodies remain anchored in the coral
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They can change their colour based on depth, camouflage, and as a scare tactic
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These worms live in hard tubes they have made, usually inside a hole bored into a live coral
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They can be found in the tropical Indo-Pacific, specifically in corals such as Porites lobata, which are typically found in Hawaiian waters
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Christmas tree worms are very sensitive to disturbances and will rapidly retract into their burrows at the slightest touch or passing shadow