PIC: Avani Patel

The Christmas tree worm is a brightly coloured serpulid (marine worm that constructs a tube and lives in it). It is extremely shy and retreats into its cover at the slightest hint of danger.

Though less than 4cm in size, the worm can be spotted easily because of its cone-like shape and beautiful twin spiral plumage which have earned it the name “Christmas tree” worm.

Divers say that touching its tentacles or even a passing shadow causes it to retreat. However, it emerges soon to display its tentacles in full glory.

The worm uses its colourful tentacles to feed on passing suspended particles and to absorb oxygen. It remains anchored in its burrow, a hole bored into live coral.