Spirobranchus corniculatus

(Grube, 1862)

Christmas Tree Worm

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size: 0.5-inch (1.2 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow reef areas receiving intense light and swift water currents, and living in a symbiotic relationship with live heads of Porites or brain corals.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the home aquarium trade.

Since it lives in a symbolic relationship with Porites or brain coral and is said to possibly gain some nutrition from this coral, it is best maintained in aquaria where it will receive excellent water flow and intense light, as Proites and various brain coral species, not the tubeworm itself, requires intense light to remain healthy.

This specimen, in my aquarium, was identified by the shape and size of its operculum (trap-door), and therefore, hails from the Indo-Pacific. In fact, that is the 'key' to identifying those in this family!

Trace elements and other liquid-based phytoplankton products made especially to enhance the nutrition of filter feeding animals should also be used per manufacture's instructions.

Tankmates that will pick on or eat tubeworms, e.g., triggerfishes, angelfishes, pufferfishes, butterflyfishes, crabs, peppermint shrimp, etc., should not be housed with this type creature.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Annelida

Class: Polychaeta

Order: Sabellida

Family: Serpulidae

Genus: Spirobranchus

FYI: There are actually eight described species in the Spirobranchus genus and one, possibly two undescribed species. Three are from the Caribbean and five from the Indo-Pacific. Most can only be differentiated by the shape of the operculum (Vincent Hargreaves, pers. com.). S. giganteus, S. incrassatus, and, S. spinosus hail from the Caribbean. S. corniculatus, S. gaymardi, S. paumotanus, S. nigranucha, and S. gardineri hail from the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Much attention should be given to maintaining proper calcium and alkalinity levels as noted below to enhance coral growth.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Filter Feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: >15 minutes

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Iodine (I) Trace element additives containing iodine should be used as recommended by their makers.

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Lighting: PAR 300 - 400+ (For coral)

Water Movement: WM 2 - 3

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4