Christmas Tree Worm Coral
Spirobranchus porites
Saltwater Invertebrate
Species Group: Fan Worms
Family: Serpulidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Christmas Tree Worm Coral
General information
The Christmas Tree Worm crown comes in a variety of different colors and they grow to about 3.8 cm (1.49 in). Usually, just the crown, which is spiraled in the shape of a Christmas tree, is seen; its body is hidden within the host coral. It has an operculum (top trap door) that covers its tube when it withdraws its crown. There are often several Christmas Tree Worms in the same area, though they do not live in close groups. The Christmas Tree Worm is somewhat shy of movement and prefers to be in the shade of rocky overhangs, out of the bright light.
Diet & nutrition
Christmas tree worms are filter feeders that use their radioles when feeding. Radioles are hair-like appendages that look like feathers circling around the central spine. Their diet mostly consists of phytoplankton.
Determining sex
Sexing the Christmas Tree Worm is difficult because some Spirobranchus genus are hermaphrodites.
Breeding & spawning
Christmas Tree Worms do not make physical contact when spawning. They merely release their sperm and egg into the water which, upon meeting, fertilize and become an embryo. The embryo develops into larva within 24 hours and settles and burrows on the coral. This phenomenon happens naturally, and they spawn the area together at the same time.
Origination
Christmas Tree Worms can be found on coral reefs around the world.
Cautions
It is very intolerant of copper-based medications.
All photos
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