We're interrupting our New Zealand series to say Merry Christmas to all of our Wordless Wednesday friends.
The creature in the photo is known as a "Christmas Tree Worm" (Spirobranchus giganteus). The body of the worm is burrowed into the coral, and the feathery Christmas Tree part is its feeding organ, which it extends to catch drifting plankton. It can also retract completely, closing a little trapdoor over itself. In case you are wondering about the size, the tree parts of this one are about a half inch tall.
Hi... that's amazing! I didn't know such creature exists at all... everytime I visit here I acquire new information. You are right, visiting Nepal is quite an experience - a welcome change to what I am used to in Cambodia! Thanks for visiting mine and have a Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.
The Red, White, & Blue Santa suit in my photo is Civil War era. I took the photo in Gettysburg PA in Nov. 06. Hope your still having a great time in NZ!
BNSullivan.jpg "Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus giganteus)")
[Click photo for larger view.]
We're interrupting our New Zealand series to say Merry Christmas to all of our Wordless Wednesday friends.
ReplyDeleteThe creature in the photo is known as a "Christmas Tree Worm" (Spirobranchus giganteus). The body of the worm is burrowed into the coral, and the feathery Christmas Tree part is its feeding organ, which it extends to catch drifting plankton. It can also retract completely, closing a little trapdoor over itself. In case you are wondering about the size, the tree parts of this one are about a half inch tall.
Happy holidays to all.
Bobbie & Jerry
Wow! Great shot! Merry Christmas and Happy WW!
ReplyDeleteThe world is such an amazing place. I've never seen something like that!
ReplyDeleteoh... hang a couple of shiny shells on that underwater tree!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!!
What is that! Great photo!! Good WW to you & Happy Holidays!! Idaho Daily Photo
ReplyDeleteWow! thats amazing shots!Here's mine for today!
ReplyDeleteYen's Wordless
Happy Holidays!!!
Thanks for background...I had no idea. Very pretty photo...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy WW!
Wow!! I've never seen a "Christmas Tree Worm".. thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteAn underwater Christmas tree! Beautiful shot. Love seeing your photos on WW - it's kind of like a nature documentary. All the best.
ReplyDeleteWow what an amazing creature ! I was wondering what it was even after I had biggified the picture ! Never heard about a Christmas Tree worm !
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting creature. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteCome visit my Wordless Wednesday if you get a moment! :)
Most appropriate name! Enjoy NZ! I don't dive, but lived there for 2 years -- LOVED every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteThat does look like a miniature underwater Christmas tree. Thanks for explaining Bobbie about the size too. I did wonder. :D
ReplyDeleteSerena
Wow! Here's another lesson learned today. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYour shots are always beautiful. Hope you enjoy your NZ stay. Merry Christmas!
VERB
My first impression was an underwater reindeer :-) Thanks for the explanation. Happy WW and Happy holidays to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say, beautiful as usual.
ReplyDeleteMay you and your loved ones have a blessed and very Merry Christmas Bobbie and Jerry!
~~Shelia
woah....I didn't know that was a worm!! it's lovely um until I knew what it was lol.
ReplyDeletegeek-betty
Pretty incredible - its a whole new world under the sea. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for stopping by my post.
Very cool photo. Have a great Holiday!
ReplyDeleteWow that is an incredible shot. It must be so interesting to see all these unique things in the ocean depths!
ReplyDeletePerfect choice for the holidays. Merry Christmas and happy WW!
ReplyDeleteWow!! Christmas Tree Worm. What a beautiful name for such an unique creature. By the way, do they bite?
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for visiting me today. Merry Christmas to you (= have fun!!
That is a very cool picture. And its a Christmas Tree underwater to boot! How very apropros.
ReplyDeleteHappy WW
What an interesting and cool underwater Christmas tree. Definitely one of the most unique trees I've seen this holiday season!
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas WW post is found here:
http://www.myrecycledbags.com
Cindy
Wow! I never would have guessed a Christmas tree worm...that is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, and Merry Christmas to you~
gorgeous photo, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMine is up at 4Seasonsofmylife. Hope you can visit me too.
Beautiful pic, Bobbie! Thanks! All my best to you and Jerry. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThis looks very much like a fishy Christmas tree! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteLovely underwater picture .Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season to you.
ReplyDeleteHi... that's amazing! I didn't know such creature exists at all... everytime I visit here I acquire new information.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, visiting Nepal is quite an experience - a welcome change to what I am used to in Cambodia! Thanks for visiting mine and have a Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.
Perfect for the occasion!
ReplyDeleteHope you both have a Merry Christmas!
Kathy
The Red, White, & Blue Santa suit in my photo is Civil War era. I took the photo in Gettysburg PA in Nov. 06. Hope your still having a great time in NZ!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Bobbie to you and your family, and btw a great shot as usual :)
ReplyDelete