Florida Keys Scuba Diving with Sail Fish Scuba

Diving Key Largo, Florida Keys

Christmas Tree Worms

While scuba diving Key Largo at All Dive Sites divers get to see colorful Florida Christmas Tree Worms.

Have you ever been swimming along and seen what looks like little fuzzy trees all along the hard coral?
Turns out those are critters too!
What may look like a fuzzy little plant is actually a worm.
We typically call them “Christmas Tree” worms due to their appearance when they are popped out of the coral feeding.

Fun Facts About Christmas Trees

Christmas tree worms come in a variety of bright colors.
They aren’t very big, averaging about 1.5 inches in length.
Because of their distinctive shape, beauty, and color, these worms are easily spotted.
They are some of the most widely recognized polycheates, or marine burrowing, segmented worms out there.

The colorful plumes, or tentacles, are used for passive feeding on suspended food particles and plankton in the water.

The plumes are also used for respiration.
Though the plumes are visible, most of these worms are anchored in their burrows that they bore into live coral.

Christmas Tree Worms Playing Peek-A-Boo

Christmas tree worms are very sensitive to disturbances and will rapidly retract into their burrows at the slightest touch or passing shadow.
They typically re-emerge a minute later, very slowly, to test the water before fully extending their plumes.
This looks just like these little guys and gals are playing a game of peek A boo with you.

Where to go for Lunch/Dinner after your tour:

Check out these coupons for local restaurants. Show the virtual coupon upon your arrival at each restaurant to get the great discounts. If you visit any other restaurant in Key Largo, show them these coupons & ask if they will match it for you and suggest to them to contact Jen Kerr owner of Sail Fish Scuba to have their restaurant added to this great tourist savings page for FREE! – https://sailfishscuba.com/key-largo-information/coupons/