Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas Trees

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas Trees

Christmas isn't only being celebrated on dry land, thanks to some fascinating little creatures who provide a festive touch to the underwater world. This species, scientifically known as Spirobranchus giganteus, most often goes by its colloquial name—the Christmas tree worm. Located in tropical regions across the globe, these creatures build calcium carbonate-based structures that protect them from predators on the prowl.

Unlike the Christmas trees sitting in houses across the globe, these worms aren't seasonal. In fact, they can live for up to 40 years as they spread a bit of year-round, aquatic cheer.

Above photo via Matt Kieffer

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas TreesPhoto via George Stoyle
Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas Trees
Photo via blondecavefish

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas TreesPhoto via Wikimedia

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas TreesPhoto via Yusmar Yahaya

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas TreesPhoto via Jon Connell

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas TreesPhoto via Wikimedia

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas TreesPhoto via prilfish

Incredible Underwater Creatures Look Like Mini Christmas TreesPhoto via Bernard Dupont

via [The Dodo, ViralNova, About Education]