Micro-habitats and Associations

It is known there is a strong relationship where Spirobranchus sp. is dependent on the coral in order to survive and reproduce. The coral provides the worm with a skeleton on which it can develop on. It also provides a barrier to the worm by physically shielding it from the harsh conditions of the external environment.  

Recently some studies have suggested that the presence of the Christmas tree worm may also increase the survival rate of disturbed coral. On a study conducted in the Red Sea by Ben-Tzvi and associates (Ben-Tzvi, Brokovich et al. 2006), it was discovered that the presence of the Christmas tree worm prevented or at least limited algae smothering, predation and bleaching effects on the coral. Although some damage was inflicted by these events, the Christmas tree worm allowed for the coral to produce new polyps once the damage was reduced and survive. This suggests that there is a mutually beneficial relationship between the two organisms. It is also believed that the worm can increase circulation around the coral surface, which would aid in waste disposal and nutrient gathering (Nakamura T 2003).