Christmas Tree Worm

[stuny]

These colorful worms live in holes in coral heads, and emerge to filter feed. If you get close (especially above them) they retract into their hole so quickly that you’re not certain you ever saw them in the first place. They are typically about 3 centimeters tall. You can see plenty more underwater photos on the Borneo photo galleries on our site (plus older ones on the Papua new Guinea photos galleries).

[tollie]

Hey Stu,

I'm an underwater photographer as well.

Here is a red worm to keep your exotic blue one company.

Cheers,

Todd

[stuny]

Todd -

Beautiful. Have any yellow ones? I meant to photograph them, too, but missed the opportunities

[roguewave]

Gentleman, I enjoyed both images. They are lovely. Unfortunately I have often met the fate Stu describes when snorkeling in the Bahamas, they disappear.

[tollie]

Well,

I went back thru my files and the yellow Christmas tree worms that I had were oof or were a bit blurred.

So here is a yellow feather duster. This was taken with a strobe and a double stacked macro lens...

and yes they are a bit hard to shoot. You need to be slow and careful with your approach or they will tuck themselves away. If you have scuba gear and can wait the sometimes come back out.

[dhsimmonds]

Stu, your image of blue christmas tree worms look positively erotic! Superb photo.

[stuny]

Ben & Dave -

Thank you.

[Artichoke]

I had no idea such wondrous creatures existed
beautiful photographs the lot
I spent some time searching the Internet for more information about these fascinating creatures & I think the photographs posted in this thread are as good as any I could find

[TONTONTINTIN.123]

Stuny and Todd, wonderful pictures from both fo you.

[stuny]

Arthur & Martin -

Thank you.

[michali]

Stuart- Absolutely amazing! Wonderful picture.
MIKE

[stuny]

Mike -

Thank you.