Christmas Tree Worm

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Difficult   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 2"
• Diet: Omnivore (filter feeder)   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 12 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: None   • Coloration: Varies
• Origin: Indo-Pacific • Family: Serpulidae   • Species: Fan Worms

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The Christmas Tree Worm or as it is sometimes referred to as the Jewel Stone, is a small filter feeding invertebrate with a wide variety of colors. The Christmas Tree Worm is normally found in the aquarium store as several individuals attached to a small piece of rock or live rock rubble. Typically the only part of the Christmas Tree Worm visible is the crown, which spirals downward similar in shape to a Christmas tree, the body of this species is hidden underneath the colorful crown.

Christmas Tree Worms are often found several to an area, but they do not live in close groups. This species although very attractive can be difficult to keep in the aquarium environment and is suitable only for advanced reef aquarium hobbyists with established aquariums.

The Christmas Tree Worm is somewhat shy of movement and prefers to be under the cover of rocky overhangs, out of the bright light and direct strong water flow. The Christmas Tree Worm does need a lot of medium water flow in order to feed on plankton or liquid plankton-based foods within the currents. It is very intolerant of copper-based medications. This species does not readily breed in the aquarium environment and cases of this occurring are very rare.

The Christmas Tree Worm is purely a filter feeding species whose diet should consist of plankton foods in the currents and should be supplemented with liquid plankton-based foods. This somewhat specialized diet along with this species intolerance for strong direct water movement make it somewhat difficult to feed.

Requires moderate, varied waterflow (filter feeder).