Spirobranchus giganteus Polychaete Worm Defecating

The visible portion of Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) comprises modified
prostomial palps (mouth appendages) that are used by the animals for feeding and breathing. These polychaete worms also defecate from central tube within these spiral appendanges, as shown here. This particular worm has made a home in a thin wedge of Pavona decussata leaf coral.

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Image Size: 7539x5026 / 12.9MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Polychaete Worm Christmas Tree Worm Animalia Annelida Polychaeta Canalipalpata Serpulidae Spirobranchus giganteus Ibara-kanzashi Defecation Faeces Feces Pacific Japan Kagoshima Prefecture
Contained in galleries: Marine Life | Japan

The visible portion of Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) comprises modified<br />
prostomial palps (mouth appendages) that are used by the animals for feeding and breathing. These polychaete worms also defecate from central tube within these spiral appendanges, as shown here. This particular worm has made a home in a thin wedge of Pavona decussata leaf coral.