Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) are tube-building, segmented bristle worms that live in tropical oceans. Named for their tree-like appearance, the multicolored spirals are actually highly derived structures for feeding and respiration. Because it does not move outside its tube, this worm does not have any specialized appendages for movement or swimming. Instead, it bores into living coral, secretes a calcium carbonate tube around its body, and survives by filter feeding.
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