Christmas Tree Worm Rock (EA#165)

Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Colour Form: Variety (Red, Blue, Yellow, White, Orange) Diet: Filter Feeder Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 24-27°C, dKH 6-10, pH 7.8-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025 Max Size: Varies (coral base size up to 30 cm) Family: Serpulidae (Worms), Poritidae (Coral base) Overview Christmas Tree Worm Rock is a captivating addition to reef aquariums, featuring a living coral base (often from the Porites genus) adorned with colourful Christmas Tree Worms (Spirobranchus giganteus). These worms derive their name from their vibrant, spiralling feeding structures that resemble miniature Christmas trees. The combination of the coral's hard surface and the worm's intricate crowns creates a visually stunning and dynamic display. Behaviour and Habitat The Christmas Tree Worms live within the coral skeleton, where they create burrows for protection. These worms are peaceful and stationary, relying on water currents to bring food to their feathery crowns. The coral base is also alive and requires care similar to other SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals. The worms will quickly retract their crowns into their burrows if disturbed, adding an interesting interactive element to the aquarium. Tank Requirements Lighting: Moderate to high-intensity lighting to sustain the coral base. LED lighting designed for SPS corals is ideal. Water Flow: Moderate to strong, as both the coral and worms benefit from consistent water movement to deliver food and oxygen. Aquascape: Place on stable rockwork in the middle or upper levels of the tank to maximise light exposure. Diet The worms are filter feeders and rely on suspended food particles: Food Types: Live phytoplankton, powdered coral foods, and fine particulate feeds. Feeding Frequency: Target-feed 2-3 times per week using a pipette or turkey baster to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. The coral base benefits from the same high-quality reef food used for other SPS corals. For premium feeding options, explore our range of Coral Foods and supplements. Reef Compatibility Christmas Tree Worm Rock is reef-safe and peaceful, making it an excellent addition to mature reef tanks. Avoid housing with aggressive tank mates or species that might pick at the worms or coral, such as certain butterflyfish or angelfish. Compatibility These peaceful creatures coexist well with other reef inhabitants, including: Clownfish Gobies Blennies Tangs Reef-safe shrimp and crabs Avoid placing them near coral species prone to aggressive behaviours, such as stinging or overtaking nearby space. Care Tips Maintain stable water parameters and monitor calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels to support the coral base. Use a protein skimmer and efficient filtration to keep water quality high. Avoid handling the rock excessively, as the worms can retract deeply into their burrows and stress easily. Monitor lighting and flow conditions to ensure both the worms and coral are thriving. Final Thoughts Christmas Tree Worm Rock is a unique and eye-catching centrepiece for reef aquariums. Its vibrant colours, fascinating behaviour, and symbiotic relationship between coral and worm make it a prized addition for intermediate to advanced aquarists. With proper care, this living masterpiece will thrive and enhance the diversity of your marine tank. If you're looking to enhance your tank further, browse our collection of LPS Corals, SPS Corals, or Soft Corals.