Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Christmas Tree Worms

Spirobranchus giganteus - These guys are not, as their scientific name suggests, large. In fact big ones are only about the size of your thumb. Filter feeders of plankton Christmas Tree Worms are easily found anchored to corals and exist in tropical waters everywhere. Want to impress a friend while diving, approach them slowly and snap your fingers a few inches away from their plumes and see what happens. No need to touch - they sense the vibration and retract quickly! These ones are from Lau Lau Bay, Saipan Marine bio.org

1 comment:

Marianas Eye said...

Hi Mike,

I finally had a chance to open your video and watch it. It's phenomenal. I was continually amazed by how beautiful and steady the images were! You are gifted. In fact, your hands are steady enough to be an eye surgeon. If you ever decide to change professions, let me know. You have a letter of recommendation coming from me!

David Khorram, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Marianas Eye Institute
www.MarianasEye.com
(you can quote me in your testimonials if you want)