Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Wordless Wednesday #12 - Merry Christmas

Christmas Tree Worm (Spirobranchus giganteus)[Click photo for larger view.]

33 comments:

BNS said...

We're interrupting our New Zealand series to say Merry Christmas to all of our Wordless Wednesday friends.

The creature in the photo is known as a "Christmas Tree Worm" (Spirobranchus giganteus). The body of the worm is burrowed into the coral, and the feathery Christmas Tree part is its feeding organ, which it extends to catch drifting plankton. It can also retract completely, closing a little trapdoor over itself. In case you are wondering about the size, the tree parts of this one are about a half inch tall.

Happy holidays to all.

Bobbie & Jerry

Ann said...

Wow! Great shot! Merry Christmas and Happy WW!

Joyful Days said...

The world is such an amazing place. I've never seen something like that!

Pamela said...

oh... hang a couple of shiny shells on that underwater tree!

Merry Christmas!!

Roger said...

What is that! Great photo!! Good WW to you & Happy Holidays!! Idaho Daily Photo

Yen said...

Wow! thats amazing shots!Here's mine for today!
Yen's Wordless
Happy Holidays!!!

Lil Knitter said...

Thanks for background...I had no idea. Very pretty photo...
Merry Christmas and Happy WW!

napaboaniya said...

Wow!! I've never seen a "Christmas Tree Worm".. thanks for sharing :)

Chris in Oxford said...

An underwater Christmas tree! Beautiful shot. Love seeing your photos on WW - it's kind of like a nature documentary. All the best.

Gattina said...

Wow what an amazing creature ! I was wondering what it was even after I had biggified the picture ! Never heard about a Christmas Tree worm !

Natalie said...

What an interesting creature. Merry Christmas!

Come visit my Wordless Wednesday if you get a moment! :)

martie http://marties-place.typepad.com said...

Most appropriate name! Enjoy NZ! I don't dive, but lived there for 2 years -- LOVED every minute of it.

Serena said...

That does look like a miniature underwater Christmas tree. Thanks for explaining Bobbie about the size too. I did wonder. :D

Serena

ZAM said...

Wow! Here's another lesson learned today. Thanks.

Your shots are always beautiful. Hope you enjoy your NZ stay. Merry Christmas!

VERB

June said...

My first impression was an underwater reindeer :-) Thanks for the explanation. Happy WW and Happy holidays to you.

Shelia said...

What can I say, beautiful as usual.

May you and your loved ones have a blessed and very Merry Christmas Bobbie and Jerry!

~~Shelia

betty said...

woah....I didn't know that was a worm!! it's lovely um until I knew what it was lol.

geek-betty

Jodi Cleghorn said...

Pretty incredible - its a whole new world under the sea. Thanks so much for sharing.

And thanks for stopping by my post.

Digital Flower Pictures said...

Very cool photo. Have a great Holiday!

ellen b. said...

Wow that is an incredible shot. It must be so interesting to see all these unique things in the ocean depths!

Shannon said...

Perfect choice for the holidays. Merry Christmas and happy WW!

pelfy said...

Wow!! Christmas Tree Worm. What a beautiful name for such an unique creature. By the way, do they bite?

And thanks for visiting me today. Merry Christmas to you (= have fun!!

Vixen said...

That is a very cool picture. And its a Christmas Tree underwater to boot! How very apropros.

Happy WW

RecycleCindy said...

What an interesting and cool underwater Christmas tree. Definitely one of the most unique trees I've seen this holiday season!

My Christmas WW post is found here:
http://www.myrecycledbags.com

Cindy

Sarah said...

Wow! I never would have guessed a Christmas tree worm...that is amazing!

Thanks for stopping by, and Merry Christmas to you~

2cents said...

gorgeous photo, thanks for sharing.
Mine is up at 4Seasonsofmylife. Hope you can visit me too.

the teach said...

Beautiful pic, Bobbie! Thanks! All my best to you and Jerry. Happy Holidays!

monarchbfly.com said...

This looks very much like a fishy Christmas tree! Bravo!

baby~amore' said...

Lovely underwater picture .Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season to you.

ZJ said...

Hi... that's amazing! I didn't know such creature exists at all... everytime I visit here I acquire new information.
You are right, visiting Nepal is quite an experience - a welcome change to what I am used to in Cambodia! Thanks for visiting mine and have a Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.

kml said...

Perfect for the occasion!

Hope you both have a Merry Christmas!

Kathy

Ann said...

The Red, White, & Blue Santa suit in my photo is Civil War era. I took the photo in Gettysburg PA in Nov. 06. Hope your still having a great time in NZ!

Bernie Kasper said...

Merry Christmas Bobbie to you and your family, and btw a great shot as usual :)