Have you ever encountered the fascinating ‘Christmas Tree Worm’ while diving in Malta’s seas? These marine creatures, shown in a photo captured by Alessio Marrone and shared by marine biologist Alan Deidun, are a type of serpulid worm found in the coastal waters around the islands.
Named for their striking, spiral-shaped, brightly coloured crowns with sprawling tentacles, which resemble the festive adornments of a Christmas tree, these worms are often spotted clinging to coral reefs and rocky seabeds. These colourful crowns serve as both a sensory organ and a feeding mechanism, capturing plankton from the water column.
Serpulid worms play an important role in the marine ecosystem – by forming colonies, they help build and stabilise reef structures, which in turn provide habitat for a variety of marine species. Their presence in Malta’s waters contribute to the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea, making them a fascinating (and aesthetically pleasing!) subject for marine enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Does the Christmas Tree Worm resemble anything hanging on your own tree?